HV  pr 

thods  of  Supervising 
on  Probation 


UC-NRLF 


SB    M7    E1M 

REPORT  OF  A  COMMITTEE  APPOINTED 

BY  THE 

NEW  YORK  STATE  PROBATION 
COMMISSION 

TO    INVESTIGATE    AND    MAKE    RECOMMENDATIONS 

CONCERNING  METHODS  OF  SUPERVISING 

PROBATIONERS 


Published  by 

THE  STATE  PROBATION  COMMISSION 
Albany,  N.  Y. 

mi 


GIFT   ©F 


DOCUMENTS 
DEPT. 


COMMITTEE   ON   METHODS   OF   SUPERVISING 
PROBATIONERS 


FRANK  E.  WADE,  President,  State  Probation  Commission, 
Chairman. 

EDMOND  J.  BUTLER,  Vice-President,  State  Probation  Commis- 
sion. 

JOHN  H.  FINLEY,*  Member,  State  Probation  Commission. 

MAUDE  E.  MINER,  Member,  State  Probation  Commission. 

HENRY  MARQUAND,  Member,  State  Probation  Commission. 

HOMER  FOLKS, f  Former  President,  State  Probation  Commis- 
sion. 

WALTER  II.  ANGELL,  County  Probation  Officer,  Cortiand 
County. 

EDWIN  J.  COOLEY,  Chief  Probation  Officer,  Magistrates' 
Courts,  New  York  City. 

BERNARD  J.  FAGAN,  Chief  Probation  Officer,  Children's  Court, 
New  York  City. 

JAMES  A.  GARRITY,  Chief  Probation  Officer,  City  Court, 
Yonkers. 

WTM.  A.  HANDERSEN,  County  Probation  Officer,  Orange  County. 

WM.  F.  HODGE,  County  Probation  Officer,  Onondaga  County. 

MADELEINE  G.  HOOTON,  Probation  Officer,  City  Court,  Biiig- 
hamton. 

WM.  A.  KILLIP,  Chief  Probation  Officer,  Monroe  County  Chil- 
dren's Court. 

FRANCES  E.  LEITCH,  Probation  Officer,  Court  of  Special  Ses- 
sions, Brooklyn. 

JOSEPH  P.  MURPHY,  Chief  Probation  Officer,  Erie  County. 

JAMES  J.  EYAN,  Chief  Probation  Officer,  Court  of  Special 
Sessions,  New  York  City. 

MRS.  MAX  THALHEIMER,  Chief  Probation  Officer,  Court  of 
Special  Sessions,  Syracuse. 

WM.  E.  WILEY,  Chief  Probation  Officer,  City  Court,  Buffalo. 

CHARLES  L.  CHUTE,  Secretary,  State  Probation  Commission, 
Secretary. 


*  Commissioner  Finley  was  in  Syria  engaged  in  relief  work  for  the  GoveiUment  at  the  time  this 
report  was  prepared:  he  was  unable  to  review  t'ie  nru|  drift. 

tMr.  Folks  resigned  as  President  of  the  ConlnusMo/1  in  Ju<iyr  1917,  lo  gb  to  France  as  director 
of  Red  Cross  relief  work.  He  was  in  France  while  the  report  was  being  prepared,  but  was  able  to 
examine  the  text  of  the  report. 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

Part  I  —  Introductory 3 

The  problem  stated 3 

Methods  used  in  this  study 4 

The  purposes  of  supervision 6 

Probation  methods  commonly  used 7 

The  individual  factor 7 

Part  II  — Probation  methods  in  New  York  State 8 

Visits  of  probation  officers 8 

Frequency  of  home  visits 8 

Persons  seen;  information  secured 10 

Length  of  visits 10 

Evening  visits 10 

Results  sought  and  obtained 11 

Opinions  of  ex-probationers  as  to  home  visits 12 

Visits  elsewhere  than  to  probationers'  homes 13 

Reporting  by  probationers 15 

Frequency  of  receiving  reports .  15 

Time  of  receiving  reports 18 

Place  of  receiving  reports 19 

Assembling  of  probationers 19 

Results  obtained  through  reporting 22 

Opinions  of  ex-probationers  on  reporting 30 

Written  reports 31 

Employment 33 

Physical  and  mental  examinations 34 

Cooperation 36 

The  relation  of  the  court  to  probation  supervision 38 

Special  methods  of  supervision  by  probation  officers 41 

Part  III  —  Probation  methods  in  other  states 42 

Visits  by  probation  officers 43 

Reporting  by  probationers 45 

Other  factors  in  supervision 50 

Employment 50 

Cooperation 50 

The  relation  of  judges  to  supervision 53 

Part  IV —  Conclusions  and  recommendations 54 

First  interview 57 

First  visits 58 

Plan  of  probation 58 

Subsequent  home  visits 58 

Other  visits 59 

Reporting 60 

Cooperation 63 

The  court  and  supervision 64 

Employment 64 

Physical  and  mental  examinations 65 

Special  methods  of  supervision 65 

Selection  of  officers  and  assignment  of  cases 66 

Accounts  of  visits  to  probationers  and  former  probationers  and  their  families, 

with  probation  history  notes 68 

[2] 


f 


METHODS  OF  SUPERVISING  PERSONS  ON 
PROBATION 


REPORT  OF  THE  COMMITTEE 

PAET  I  —  INTKODUCTOEY 

Probation  work  in  the  courts,  authorized  by  law  and  publicly 
salaried,  was  first  established  in  America  forty  years  ago,  the 
original  Massachusetts  probation  law  having  become  effective 
April  26,  1878.  Massachusetts  was  in  advance  of  any  other  state 
in  establishing  publicly  salaried  probation  work  in  her  courts, 
but  volunteer  and  unofficial  work  along  lines  similar  to  probation 
was  carried  on  in  many  states  even  before  the  Massachusetts  law. 
Rhode  Island,  Illinois,  Minnesota,  Vermont  and  New  Jersey 
passed  probation  laws  in  1899  and  1900,  and  the  State  of  New 
York  in  1901.  The  appointment  of  salaried  probation  officers 
was,  however,  not  generally  authorized  in  New  York  State  until 
1905. 

Although  the  probation  profession  is  a  new  one,  although  the 
difficulties  encountered  by  those  who  have  been  engaged  in  develop- 
ing and  extending  it  have  been  great,  the  success  of  the  system 
has  been  remarkable.  It  has  been  generally  adopted  throughout 
the  United  States,  every  state  now  having  a  probation  law.  In 
New  York  State  over  200  salaried  probation  officers  are  at  work 
throughout  the  State  and  over  20,000  persons  are  placed  on  pro- 
bation each  year. 

THE  PROBLEM  STATED 

Probation  may  be  denned  as  a  system  used  by  courts  in  suitable 
instances  to  discipline  or  improve  the  conduct  or  conditions  of 
adult  offenders  or  children  without  commitment  to  an  institution, 
by  releasing  them  conditionally  under  the  authoritative,  helpful 
oversight  of  an  official  known  as  the  probation  officer. 

Probation  being  new  and,  in  common  parlance  "  a  long-felt 
want,"  much  of  the  emphasis  of  those  working  for  its  improve- 
ment has  been  placed  upon  quantity  rather  than  quality,  on  exten- 

[3] 


3Q31 


aion  rather  than  intensification!*  The  New  York  State  Probation 
Commission  in  studying  the  probation  work  throughout  the  State 
has  come  to  feel  that  the  emphasis  should  be  laid  more  strongly 
upon  the  quality  of  the  service  and  the  development  of  standards. 
The  probation  officers  themselves,  beset  with  difficulties  and 
local  problems,  have  also  begun  to  take  a  broader  view  of  their 
tasks  and  to  strive  for  improved  standards.  At  the  New  York 
State  Conferences  of  Probation  Officers,  the  various  methods  of 
supervision  have  been  frequently  discussed.  Marked  differences 
of  opinion  have  been  expressed  corresponding  to  the  differences 
in  methods  used.  The  same  process  has  been  going  on  in  other 
states.  Varied  methods  and  radically  different  opinions  prevail 
as  to  what  are  ike  best  methods  to  accomplish  the  results  all  are 
seeking. 

METHODS  USED  IN  THIS  STUDY 

In  view  of  these  facts,  the  State  Probation  Commission  at  its 
meeting  in  January,  1917,  authorized  the  appointment  of  a  com- 
mittee to  consist  of  experienced  and  representative  probation 
officers  from  different  parts  of  the  State,  the  Committee  on  Invesi- 
gation  of  the  Commission,  and  the  Secretary  of  the  Commission, 
the  President  of  the  Commission  acting  as  Chairman.  The  Com- 
mission adopted  a  resolution  authorizing  this  committee  to  investi- 
gate the  relative  values  of  the  various  methods  of  probation  super- 
vision and  to  prepare  a  report  containing  a  rational  program  for 
supervising  probationers.  The  proposed  lines  of  inquiry  as  out- 
lined in  the  resolution  were  as  follows : 

1.  To  find  out  the  actual  methods  in  use  now  and  at  different 
times  in  the  past  in  the  various  courts  of  this  State  regarding  the 
reporting  of   probationers,   home  visits,    and   other   methods   of 
supervision. 

2.  To  observe  closely  the  methods  employed  in  certain  repre- 
sentative offices  in  various  parts  of  the  State,  and  ascertain  the 
results  and  success  of  suc]i  methods. 

3.  To  interview  persons  who  have  been  discharged  from  proba- 
tion who  are  competent  to  form  an  opinion  as  to  what  impression 
the  various  methods  of  supervision  employed  in  their  cases  have 
made  upon  them ;  whether  these  methods  have  helped  them  or  not, 
and  to  gather  their  observations  of  the  effects  of  the  various 
methods  upon  other  probationers. 


4.  To  collect  information  from  .offer  states-. as  to  the  methods 
of  supervision  used. 

It  was  agreed  that  throughout  the  inquiry  effort  should  be  made 
to  secure  the  largest  possible  cooperation  on  the  part  of  the  pro- 
bation officers  in  a  study  of  their  own  work  and  in  the  drawing  of 
conclusions  from  actual  results  secured  by  them  over  a  series  of 
years. 

Since  the  appointment  of  this  committee  extensive  inquiries 
have  been  carried  on  along  each  of  the  lines  mentioned  above.  A 
large  amount  of  information  has  been  collected  by  correspondence. 
The  field  work  has  been  largely  done  by  the  Secretary  of  the 
Committee  with  the  cooperation  of  the  probation  officers.  A 
printed  questionnaire  containing  thirty-three  questions,  covering 
all  important  matters  relating  to  probation  supervision,  was  sent 
to  every  salaried  probation  officer  in  the  State.  One  hundred  and 
sixty-six  questionnaires  completely  filled  out  were  received  from  as 
many  probation  officers  working  in  every  part  of  this  State.  Sup- 
plementing these  schedules,  studies  have  been  submitted  by  some 
of  the  probation  officers  which  have  added  useful  information. 

A  similar  schedule  was  sent  out  to  approximately  one  hundred 
probation  offices  in  the  largest  cities  throughout  the  country. 
Replies  were  received  from  officers  covering  both  juvenile  and 
adult  courts  in  twenty-four  states. 

Personal  investigations  of  probation  methods  have  been  made 
by  the  Secretary  and  his  assistants  in  all  important  courts  of  this 
State  and  in  addition,  in  the  juvenile  and  adult  courts  of  Chicago, 
St.  Louis,  Kansas  City,  Minneapolis,  St.  Paul,  Philadelphia, 
Boston,  Worcester  and  Cambridge,  Mass. 

Finally,  visits  were  made  to  the  homes  of  fifty-nine  former 
probationers  in  various  parts  of  the  State.  The  ex-probationer 
and  various  members  of  the  family  were  interviewed  and  state- 
ments and  opinions  secured  from  the  point  of  view  of  the  proba- 
tioners and  their  families.  The  data  so  secured  shows  marked 
appreciation  of  the  work  and  assistance  of  the  probation  officer, 
and  in  the  main,  approval  of  the  method  of  supervision  adopted 
in  home  visitation  and  personal  reporting  to  probation  officers. 
The  information  derived  from  these  interviews  has  been  taken 
into  account  in  the  discussion  of  the  various  methods  of  super- 


vision  and'in  f  he' cVnchis'i'oris  ^lild  recommendations  which  follow. 
-Representative  interviews  are  selected  and  are  presented  verbatim 
following  this  report. 

From  these  various  studies  a  mass  of  data  has  been  collected, 
sufficient,  we  believe,  to  justify  some  definite  conclusions  and 
recommendations  and  the  outlining  of  a  rational  program  for 
supervising  probationers. 

At  the  annual  State  Conference  of  Probation  Officers  in  the 
Fall  of  1917,  a  preliminary  report  of  this  study  was  presented 
by  the  Secretary  and  discussed  at  length  by  the  probation  officers. 
Suggestions  were  made  and  general  approval  of  the  substance  of 
most  of  the  recommendations  which  appear  in  this  report  was 
secured.  We  believe  that  this  report  represents  the  accumulated 
experience  of  the  probation  workers  of  New  York  State. 

THE  PURPOSES  OF  SUPERVISION 

The  purposes  of  probation  supervision  are  the  purposes  of  any 
rational  reformatory  treatment  of  delinquent  members  of  society, 
but  the  methods  are  unique  and  fundamentally  different  from 
those  of  the  correctional  institution.  When  the  court  after  due 
investigation  and  deliberation,  instead  of  confining  the  offender 
in  an  institution  which  involves  separation  from  relatives,  friends 
and  former  associates  and  brings  disgrace,  loss  of  initiative  and 
self-direction,  chooses  to  place  the  offender  on  probation  under 
the  supervision  of  a  probation  officer,  there  begins  a  unique  rela- 
tionship. This  affords,  on  the  one  hand,  a  stimulating  oppor- 
tunity for  the  probationer  to  start  all  over  again  and  to  "  make 
good ;  "  on  the  other  hand,  the  opportunity  is  presented  to  the 
probation  officer  to  develop  or  reconstruct  a  life  which  has  been 
dwarfed  or  bent  askew,  to  help  the  probationer  to  help  himself 
or  herself  under  conditions  which  may  be  nearly  ideal. 

The  probation  officer  is  an  officer  of  the  law  and  of  the  court. 
As  the  representative  of  the  court  it  is  his  first  duty  to  enforce  the 
conditions  of  probation  and  "to  keep  informed  concerning  the 
conduct  and  conditions  of  the  probationer."  The  successful  pro- 
bation officer,  however,  is  more  than  an  officer  of  the  law;  he  is 
a  social  worker  and  should  be  a  helpful  friend  to  each  of  his 
charges.  The  second  purpose  of  probation,  therefore,  and  of 
greater  importance  than  the  first,  is  to  aid  and  encourage  the  pro- 
bationer in  right  doing  in  every  possible  way. 


PROBATION  METHODS  COMMONLY  USED 

Having  thus  stated  the  double  purpose  of  probation  supervision, 
the  question  arises  what  are  the  methods  used  to  accomplish  the 
same.  The  principal  methods  of  supervision  carry  out  both  the 
investigative,  disciplinary  functions  of  the  probation  officer  and 
his  helpful,  constructive  duties.  The  peculiar  feature  of  the  pro- 
bation relation  is  that  the  probationer  is  released  to  take  his  place 
like  any  other  person  of  his  age  and  station  in  society;  he  is 
virtually  free,  except  as  bound  by  certain  rules  of  conduct  which 
the  probation  officer  must  enforce.  But  there  is  vastly  more  to 
probation  than  the  enforcement  of  rules  and  required  abstinence 
from  evil  conduct,  much  more  than  mere  supervision.  The  suc- 
cessful probation  officer  establishes  a  relation  through  the  mind, 
the  will,  and  the  heart  of  his  charge,  which  may  be  more  binding 
than  iron  bars.  The  first  duty  of  the  probation  officer  is  to 
endeavor  to  establish  that  kind  of  a  relationship. 

The  most  commonly  used  methods  of  probation  supervision  not 
only  in  this  State,  but  wherever  the  probation  system  is  used, 
may  be  classified  under  two  headings:  (1)  visits  to  the  home  and 
elsewhere;  (2)  reports  by  the  probationer.  Both  methods  are 
used  to  give  information,  to  establish  the  necessary  personal  con- 
tact which  makes  possible  any  helpful  relation  whatever.  Other 
methods  used  are  principally  modifications  of  these  or  are  worked 
out  in  connection  with  them. 

THE  INDIVIDUAL  FACTOR 

At  the  outset,  it  should  be  emphasized  that  probation  work 
depends  for  its  success  largely  upon  the  relation  established 
between  one  individual  and  another.  The  personal  equation  enters 
into  all  of  this  work.  We  constantly  hear  it  said  that  no  two 
cases  are  alike;  it  is  equally  true  that  no  two  probation  officers 
are  alike.  It  is,  therefore,  difficult  to  lay  down  any  general  rules 
and  this  can  be  done  only  by  granting  numerous  exceptions.  The 
successful  probation  officer  cannot  always  define  his  methods,  but 
he  knows  that  his  success  depends  upon  establishing  right  per- 
sonal relations  with  his  charge  and  in  helping  him  to  achieve  that 
which  he  as  an  individual  needs.  In  the  words  of  one  probation 
officer  in  this  State :  "  The  subject  is  so  much  one  of  special 


8 

problems  in  each  individual  case  that  it  is  difficult  to  formulate 
general  rules.  The  needs  of  men  on  probation  of  course  differ 
from  those  of  women  and  girls,  and  again,  the  children  present 
other  problems.  Each  probationer  must  necessarily  be  treated 
largely  on  the  basis  of  his  peculiar  needs  which  leaves  much  to  the 
discretion  and  judgment  of  the  probation  officer.7' 

We  believe,  however,  that  it  is  possible  to  make  certain  general 
rules  for  various  classes  of  probationers.  In  work  with  human 
beings  as  with  inanimate  materials,  there  are  rules  of  conduct  and 
similar  reactions  which  may  be  studied  and  classified  and  rules 
and  principles  deduced  therefrom.  In.  applying  these  rules,  how- 
ever, the  personal  and  individual  factors  should  not  be  overlooked. 

PART    II --PROBATION    METHODS    IN    NEW    YORK 

STATE 

VISITS  OF  PROBATION  OFFICERS 

Every  efficient  probation  officer  recognizes  the  necessity  of 
visiting  probationers  in  their  homes.  The  home  visit,  as  well  as 
other  visits,  is  found  to  be  essential,  first  to  ascertain  the  proba- 
tioner's conduct  and  conditions;  second,  to  establish  friendly  per- 
sonal relations  with  the  probationer  and  his  family  and  to  develop 
their  cooperation.  To  secure  these  ends  visits  must  be  frequent 
and  well  planned  and  not  too  brief  and  perfunctory. 

The  questionnaires  sent  out  to  all  probation  officers  in  New  York 
State  contained  a  series  of  questions  regarding  visits.  One  hun- 
dred and  sixty-six  officers  replied,  representing  every  kind  of  court 
dealing  with  delinquents  and  handling  all  classes  of  probationers. 
Extended  and  carefully  prepared  answers  were  received. 

FREQUENCY  OF  HOME  VISITS 

All  officers,  with  a  single  exception,  state  that  they  visit  the 
homes  of  their  probationers  more  or  less  frequently.  Most  officers 
try  to  visit  all  of  them  except  those  living  outside  their  juris- 
dictions. The  frequency  of  home  visits  varies  greatly;  many' 
were  unable  to  state  how  often  they  visit  their  probationers,  evi- 
dently having  no  rule  in  the  matter.  Many  vary  their  visits  with 
the  kind  of  case  and  length  of  time  on  probation.  Seven  officers 


9 

state  that  they  visit  all  probationers  once  a  week.  Many  visit 
those  needing  special  attention  oftener  than  once  a  week.  Twenty- 
eight  officers  state  that  as  a  rule  they  visit  their  probationers  once 
in  two  weeks;  thirty-two  officers  endeavor  to  visit  them  at  least 
once  a  month.  Many  officers  vary  their  visits  from  twice  a  week 
to  once  in  two  months,  the  variation  depending  on  the  kind  of 
case  and  the  character  and  progress  of  the  probationer.  It  is  com- 
mon to  reduce  the  number  of  visits  when  the  probationer  has  been 
under  supervision  for  some  time  and  is  making  satisfactory 
progress. 

Some  officers  report  that  certain  probationers  are  not  visited 
at  all.  These  are  when  the  probationer  has  no  home  or  when  it  is 
believed  that  no  information  can  be  secured  at  his  place  of  resi- 
dence. Sometimes  visits  are  dispensed  with  when  it  is  believed 
that  probationers  are  doing  unusually  well.  Some  officers  report 
that  in  exceptional  cases  they  find  that  their  visits  are  prejudicial 
to  probationers  either  because  of  neighborhood  gossip  or  special 
conditions  in  the  home  and  in  such  cases  they  dispense  with  home 
visits  and  see  the  probationer  elsewhere. 

The  replies  of  the  probation  officers  show  that  some  of  them 
evidently  do  not  attach  enough  importance  to  home  visiting. 
Others,  because  they  are  overloaded  with  work,  appear  to  be  unable 
to  follow  out  any  definite  sy^'/m.  Such  replies  as  the  following 
were  received:  "Have  no  regular  time;"  "visit  occasionally;" 
"  whenever  in  the  neighborhood ;  "  "  only  when  complaints  are 
received."  One  officer  states  that  he  "  never  has  to  visit  them." 
A  number  state  that  they  do  not  visit  their  probationers  when  they 
are  "  doing  well  "  but  only  when  they  fail  to  report  or  are  thought 
to  be  doing  badly. 

The  replies  of  officers  having  children  under  supervision  were 
in  general  not  unlike  those  dealing  with  adults.  Visits  are  made 
from  once  a  week  to  once  a  month.  In  the  New  York  City  Chil- 
dren's Court  the  general  rule  is  for  officers  to  visit  their  proba- 
tioners once  in  two  weeks.  The  homes  of  troublesome  probationers 
and  those  where  there  is  parental  neglect  are  often  visited  once  a 
week. 

As  might  be  expected,  probationers  living  in  the  country  are 
visited  less  often  than  those  living  in  the  city.  Only  one  officer 


10 

stated  that  he  did  not  visit  his  rural  probationers;  others  visited 
them  "  once  a  month  if  possible."  Two  officers  visited  once  in 
two  weeks. 

PERSONS*SEEN;£INFORMATION|SECURED 

Probation  officers  were  asked  in  regard  to  their  home  visits: 
"  Who  is  usually  seen  ?  What  information  is  secured  ?  "  Almost 
invariably  the  officers  replied  that  they  see  the  mother  or  the  wife 
and  the  children  of  the  probationer.  A  few  make  an  effort  to  see 
the  father  in  boys'  cases.  Thirty-one  officers  visit  neighbors; 
twenty-one  see  relatives ;  eight  interview  boarding-house  keepers ; 
two  see  janitors.  Many  officers  state  that  it  is  the  exception  rather 
than  the  rule  that  the  probationer  is  seen  when  the  home  is  visited. 
This  is  especially  the  case  with  working  probationers. 

Questions  are  asked  and  information  secured  on  the  following 
topics:  The  general  conduct  of  probationers;  their  habits;  asso- 
ciates; hours  kept;  leisure  time  how  spent;  where  employed; 
whether  attending  religious  services;  how  wages  are  spent  and 
amount  of  money  given  to  the  family ;  if  school  children,  whether 
regular  in  school  attendance;  whether  living  up  to  all  the  condi- 
tions of  probation;  whether  refraining  from  the  use  of  intoxi- 
cants; health;  how  the  probationer  gets  along  with  his  family; 
home  conditions;  habits  of  parents;  father's  employment  and 
neighborhood  conditions. 

LENGTHl'OF  [VISITS 

The  length  of  time  spent  by  officers  in  making  home  visits  varies 
all  the  way  from  two  minutes  to  two  hours.  The  replies  of  the 
officers  on  this  point  show  that  most  visits  are  short,  averaging 
from  ten  to  fifteen  minutes.  Five  offices  give  the  average  length 
of  their  visits  as  five  minutes;  the  majority  of  the  officers  say  ten 
minutes  or  more.  The  length  of  visits  depends  on  home  condi- 
tions, attitude  of  family,  and  the  progress  of  the  probationer. 

EVENING  VISITS 

The  practice  of  visiting  probationers  in  the  evening  is  common 
throughout  the  State.  One  hundred  and  forty-seven  officers  state 
that  they  make  evening  visits,  and  only  eleven  make  none.  A 
number  of  officers  also  visit  their  probationers  on  Sundays.  A 
few  visit  more  than  half  of  their  probationers  in  the  evening. 


11 

One  officer  makes  evening  visits  four  nights  a  week.  One  officer 
makes  at  least  one  evening  visit  to  each  of  his  probationers.  The 
persons  selected  for  evening  visits  are  those  where  the  probationer 
or  certain  members  of  the  family  cannot  be  seen  during  the  day. 
Sometimes  a  probationer  is  visited  in  the  evening  so  as  not  to 
attract  attention  on  the  part  of  the  neighbors.  Evening  visits  are 
made  when  the  father  of  a  child  on  probation  cannot  be  seen 
during  the  day  and  when  the  probation  officer  especially  desires 
to  secure  his  cooperation.  Two  officers  visit  on  Saturday  evenings 
when  probationers  are  suspected  of  drunkenness. 

RESULTS  SOUGHT  AND  OBTAINED 

It  was  pointed  out  that  good  results  from  home  visiting  depend 
largely  upon  the  attitude  of  the  probation  officer  and  whether 
he  becomes  a  "welcome  visitor."  In  cases  of  foreigners  one 
officer  pointed  out,  desired  information  could  not  always  be 
obtained  and  the  officer  must  overcome  fear  and  prejudice.  One 
officer  thought  that  in  certain  cases  home  visits  were  harmful 
because  of  causing  gossip  among  the  neighbors.  One  thought  that 
if  an  officer's  identity  became  (known  to  neighbors  visits  should 
be  dispensed  with.  Most  of  the  officers  agreed  that  home  visits 
are  in  general  the  most  effective  way  of  assisting  in  changing 
adverse  family  conditions;  they  believed  that  the  information 
secured  by  visits  is  usually  reliable,  and  in  general,  they  are  con- 
sidered the  most  important  method  of  probation  supervision. 

The  following  results  were  specified  as  attained  by  home  visit- 
ing when  properly  done: 

The  probation  officer  learns  home  conditions  and  environ- 
ment and  the  character  of  the  family; 

Friendly  relations  with  the  probationer  and  the  family 
are  established,  complaints  are  adjusted  and  the  cooperation 
of  the  parents  and  other  members  secured ; 

The  probation  officer  learns  the  probationer's  conduct  and 
habits  and  whether  he  is  living  up  to  the  terms  of  his  pro- 
bation ; 

The  probationer's  statements  to  the  probation  officer  are 
verified ; 


12 

The  attitude  of  different  members  of  the  household  toward 
the  probationer  is  learned  and  the  probationer's  attitude 
toward  them; 

The  officer  is  able  to  make  suggestions  for  the  improvement 
of  conditions  in  the  home;  family  troubles  are  adjusted; 

The  habits  of  the  parents  as  well  as  those  of  the  children 
are  corrected. 

OPINIONS  OF  EX-PROBATIONERS  AS  TO  HOME  VISITS 

Probationers  and  former  probationers  and  members  of  their 
families  whose  opinions  were  sought  in  most  cases  spoke  very 
favorably  of  the  results  secured  and  the  help  received  by  them  and 
their  families  through  visits  by  the  probation  officer.  Typical 
statements  made  to  the  investigator  follow: 

From  a  man  who  had  successfully  completed  a  probation  term 
of  two  years :  "  I  believe  the  visits  to  the  home  are  of  most  value 
because  after  a  man  has  been  reporting  to  an  officer  for  a  length 
of  time  the  officer  gains  confidence  in  the  man  and  believes  him. 
Thus  if  a  probationer  wants  to  take  advantage  of  an  officer  and  lie 
to  him,  he  can  do  so,  but  if  the  officer  is  visiting  the  home  this 
cannot  be  done  so  easily.  Then  the  officer  can  get  information 
from  the  wife  and  other  members  of  the  family." 

From  a  young  man  who  had  been  on  probation :  "  It  is  neces- 
sary to  go  to  the  home  to  make  sure  what  a  fellow  is  doing." 

From  a  boy  who  had  been  on  probation :  "  I  was  always  glad 
to  have  him  come." 

From  the  wife  of  a  former  probationer :  "I  know  the  officer 
helped  me  a  lot  with  suggestions  when  he  came  here  to  visit." 

Several  former  probationers  stated  that  they  did  not  see  the 
officer  when  he  called  at  their  home.  One  or  two  qualified  their 
approval  of  visits  as  follows : 

From  a  man  who  had  been  on  probation  :  "  My  wife  and  I  were 
always  glad  to  see  the  probation  officer  because  we  liked  him 
personally.  Visits  to  the  home  are  objectionable,  however,  if  the 
neighbors  become  aware  that  the  probation  officer  is  calling." 

From  a  man  who  had  been  on  probation :  "  Visits  are  good  if 
done  in  the  right  way.  Mrs (probation  officer) 


never  ci 


13 


never  criticised  or  seemed  to  spy  on  us  but  just  came  in  as  if  for 
a  social  call." 

From  the  wife  of  the  above:  "  Visits  by  the  probation  officer 
were  always  welcomed  by  me." 

VISITS  ELSEWHERE  THAN  TO  PROBATIONERS'  HOMES 

Olosely  connected  with  home  visits  are  visits  to  relatives, 
friends,  neighbors,  employers,  teachers  and  clergymen.  A  large 
majority  of  probation  officers  report  visiting  some  or  all  of  these 
in  certain  cases  both  to  secure  information  and  to  gain  specific 
cooperation.  Relatives  and  friends  are  commonly  visited  to  secure 
material  relief  for  probationers  or  their  families,  and  in  cases  of 
children  found  to  have  improper  guardianship  and  where  the  pro- 
bation officer  is  seeking  a  .better  home  for  the  child.  A  number 
of  officers  state  that  they  visit  relatives  or  friends  "  seldom  "  or 
"  only  in  special  cases."  A  number  felt  that  it  is  a  mistake  to  see 
friends  without  the  consent  of  the  probationer.  One  officer  "  never 
visited  friends ;  "  another  "  always  visited  friends ; "  another 
visited  "  when  friends  were  interested  and  the  probationer  did  not 
resent  their  interest."  Some  state  that  they  have  had  very  little 
success  with  immediate  relatives  or  friends.  One  officer  handling 
children  states:  "My  case  histories  show  that  I  have  almost 
invariably  received  whole-hearted  cooperation  from  all  except 
immediate  relatives  of  probationers.  These  often  fail  to  recognize 
in  the  probation  officer  a  friend  who  is  working  disinterestedly 
for  the  best  interests  of  the  probationer  and  his  family."  It  was 
felt  that  great  care  must  be  taken  in  visiting  relatives  and  friends 
so  as  not  to  injure  the  probationer. 

Most  of  the  probation  officers  state  that  discretion  is  used  in 
visiting  neighbors.  They  visit  them  in  special  cases,  usually  to 
obtain  information  only.  They  find  neighbors  often  inquisitive 
or  inclined  to  gossip,  causing  humiliation  to  the  probationer. 

Fifty-one  probation  officers  state  that  they  visit  employers. 
Many  said  that  an  employer  was  visited  only  when  he  knew  that 
the  probationer  was  under  the  supervision  of  the  court  or  when 
he  was  in  close  sympathy  and  willing  to  cooperate.  Employers 
are  usually  visited  for  specific  purposes,  especially  to  verify  the 
number  of  days  probationers  have  worked  or  the  amount  of  wages 


received,  or  to  secure  work  or  get  a  probationer  reinstated.  Some 
succeed  in  interesting  employers  in  the  welfare  of  probationers. 

Thirty-one  probation  officers  reported  visiting  teachers.  Sev- 
eral probation  officers  make  it  a  practice  to  visit  the  teachers  of  all 
school  children  under  their  supervision;  others  do  so  only  in 
truancy  cases  or  when  the  probationer  is  not  making  satisfactory 
progress  in  school.  The  teacher  is  sometimes  asked  to  take  a 
special  interest  in  the  probationer. 

Thirty-seven  probation  officers  report  that  they  visit  clergymen. 
These  visits  were  made  to  bring  religious  influences  to  bear  upon 
the  probationer ;  to  influence  parents  when  they  refuse  to  cooperate 
with  the  probation  officer;  to  secure  material  relief;  to  reconcile 
family  quarrels  or  to  have  a  pledge  administeried. 

The  methods  used  by  probation  officers  in  making  these  visits 
outside  the  home  very  greatly.  (Some  of  the  officers  state  frankly 
that  they  are  probation  officers  and  make  a  direct  plea  for  coopera- 
tion. Others .  prefer  not  to  disclose  their  identity  or  the  fact  that 
the  person  inquired  about  is  on  probation,  sometimes  stating 
simply  that  they  are  friends  of  the  probationer.  This  is  more 
often  done  in  visiting  employers.  On  the  other  hand  one  officer 
says :  "  The  identity  of  the  probation  officer  is  always  revealed 
because  it  is  found  that  only  through  absolute  frankness  can  the 
best  results  be  obtained." 

It  is  generally  recognized  that  in  these  visits  great  tact  and 
judgment  are  necessary.  One  officer  in  visiting  friends  and  rela- 
tives "  tries  to  make  them  see  that  he  is  a  friend  of  the  probationer 
and  anxious  to  adjust  wrong  conditions."  One  officer  prefers  to 
visit  parents  or  relatives  when  the  probationer  is  absent  as  they 
will  then  talk  more  freely.  Other  officers  impress  upon  relatives 
or  friends  that  they  ought  to  report  any  bad  conduct  or  trouble 
in  which  the  probationer  becomes  involved.  A  friendly  approach 
and  attitude  are  considered  absolutely  necessary. 

As  a  substitute  for  visiting  or  to  supplement  it,  probation  offi- 
cers at  times  use  the  telephone  or  write  letters.  These  methods 
are  valuable  in  obtaining  specific  information  or  in  order  to  verify 
statements  made  by  the  probationer  or  others.  They  should  not 
be  relied  upon  too  much,  however,  or  be  used  in  place  of  home 
visits. 


15 


[ost  of  the  officers  reported  that  in  general  they  obtained  good 
results  from  judicious  visiting  outside  the  home.  They  received 
new  information  and  suggestions  and  a  broader  knowledge  of 
their  probationers  and  also  secured  special  help  for  them  that 
otherwise  would  not  have  come. 

REPORTING  BY  PROBATIONERS 

Keporting  by  probationers  to  the  probation  officer  has  been  a 
commonly  used  method  of  supervision  since  the  establishment  of 
the  probation  system.  It  was  devised  as  a  means  whereby  the 
probation  officer  might  see  his  charges  at  regular  intervals  and 
alone  in  order  to  secure  information  and  establish  personal  rela- 
tions and  also  as  one  of  the  disciplinary  features  of  the  probation 
system. 

FREQUENCY  OF  RECEIVING  REPORTS 

Of  the  one  hundred  and  fifty-five  probation  officers  who  replied 
to  the  question  as  to  whether  they  required  personal  reports  from 
probationers,  and  if  so,  how  often,  all  but  five  required  such 
reports.  Four  of  these  handled  mostly  girl  probationers,  and  the 
fifth  handled  only  children  held  for  improper  guardianship. 
Seventy-two  officers  as  a  general  rule  require  reports  from  their 
probationers  once  a  week;  forty-eight  require  reports  every  two 
weeks;  one  probation  officer  has  his  charges  report  three  times  a 
month ;  nine  have  them  report  once  a  month ;  twenty  officers  state 
that  they  have  no  set  rules  but  require  reports  according  to  the 
individual  needs  of  the  probationers. 

Practically  all  the  officers  reported  numerous  exceptions.  The 
offenses,  character  and  conduct  of  probationers  sometimes  deter- 
mine the  frequency  of  reporting.  Very  few  officers  have  all  their 
cases  report  with  equal  frequency;  one  officer  requires  weekly 
reporting  and  states  that  "  this  rule  is  not  changed  except  toward 
the  end  of  the  probation  period  when  the  probationer's  record  is 
especially  good."  A  very  frequent  rule  is  to  require  probationers 
to  report  once  a  week  at  the  beginning  of  probation.  Later,  after 
two  or  three  months,  if  doing  well,  they  are  allowed  to  report  once 
in  two  weeks,  and  still  later,  once  a  month.  Many  officers  consider 
the  reduction  in  the  frequency  of  reporting  a  special  privilege  to 
be  earned  by  the  probationer  for  good  conduct. 


16 

Exceptions  are  made  among  certain  classes  of  probationers. 
Girls  and  women  011  probation  are  frequently  excused  from  report- 
ing. When  this  is  done  probation  officers  state  that  they  endeavor 
to  visit  them  more  frequently.  Inadequate  office  facilities  and 
the  danger  of  mingling  are  often  given  as  reasons  why  they  should 
not  report.  Reports  when  required  of  women  and  girls  are  some- 
times received  at  the  probation  officer's  house. 

Children  under  supervision  for  improper  guardianship  are  fre- 
quently not  required  to  report.  In  such  cases  the  supervision  of 
the  home  may  be  all  that  is  necessary.  Very  young  children  some- 
times are  not  asked  to  report.  Delicate,  backward  and  retarded 
children  may  not  be  required  to  report  as  often  as  other  children. 

Exceptions  to  reporting  are  made  when  probationers  are  work- 
ing regularly ;  in  case  it  is  thought  the  report  might  interfere  with 
their  work ;  when  they  are  crippled,  old  or  ill ;  "  when  they  can  be 
depended  upon ;  "  "  when  they  have  been  visited  during  the 
week." 

Probationers  living  at  a  distance  from  the  probation  office, 
especially  if  too  poor  to  pay  carfare,  are  often  excused  from  per- 
sonal reporting  and  allowed  to  report  by  letter. 

One  officer  states  his  belief  that  reporting  is  of  no  value  if  the 
probationer  does  not  understand  English;  for  such  a  probation 
officer  who  speaks  the  language  of  the  probationer  or  a  friendly 
interpreter  seems  to  be  called  for. 

Probationers  doing  badly  are  required  to  report  more  fre- 
quently. Probation  officers,  who,  as  a  rule,  have  their  charges 
report  every  two  weeks  require  some  to  report  once  a  week  when 
they  believe  they  are  in  need  of  special  supervision.  Several  offi- 
cers report  that  probationers  are  sometimes  required  to  report 
every  day  for  a  time  when  in  need  of  additional  supervision  or 
when  out  of  employment.  Occasionally  they  are  required  to 
report  twice  a  week.  One  officer  requires  her  probationers  to 
report  every  day  for  a  week  if  they  fail  to  appear  as  directed. 

The  practice  of  some  of  the  larger  courts  or  groups  of  courts  in 
the  State  is  briefly  as  follows: 

In  the  New  York  Children's  Court  the  officers  require  bi-weekly 
reporting,  as  a  rule,  but  some  children  are  asked  to  report  weekly. 
Some  of  the  schoolboys  report  every  week,  in  the  afternoon ;  work- 


17 

ing  boys  usually  report  every  two  weeks  in  the  early  evening; 
girls  are  usually  not  required  to  report  but  are  visited  more  fre- 
quently. The  system  is  elastic.  For  good  conduct,  boys  are  some- 
times excused  from  reporting.  The  character  of  the  home,  the 
seriousness  of  the  offense,  and  the  conduct  of  the  child  determine 
the  requirements  of  reporting. 

In  the  New  York  City  Magistrates'  Courts,  the  frequency  of 
reporting  varies  with  the  officer.  Most  of  the  officers  require  their 
probationers  to  report  bi-weekly.  Many  officers  receive  reports 
from  some  of  their  charges  weekly,  from  others  bi-weekly,  and 
from  some  monthly.  Young  women  are  often  excused  from 
reporting.  Men  on  probation  for  non-support  are  required  to 
report  the  same  as  other  probationers,  but  where  a  reconciliation 
is  effected,  are  sometimes  allowed  to  report  in  writing. 

In  the  New  York  City  Court  of  Special  Sessions  probationers 
generally  report  every  two  weeks.  Certain  cases,  such  as  drug 
addicts,  wife-beaters,  and  the  unemployed,  are  required  to  report 
once  a  week.  If  the  probationer's  conduct  is  satisfactory  after  a 
few  months  he  is  allowed  to  report  every  three  weeks  or  every 
month. 

In  the  Buffalo  City  Court,  probationers  almost  invariably  report 
once  a  week.  Cases  doing  badly  are  sometimes  required  to  report 
more  often. 

In  the  Buffalo  Children's  Court,  probationers  report  once  a 
week.  Only  children  physically  unfit  or  otherwise  unable  to 
report  in  person  are  excepted. 

In  the  Erie  County  probation  office  seventy-five  per  cent,  of  the 
cases  report  weekly.  Twenty-five  per  cent,  report  every  two  weeks 
or  every  month.  After  reporting  weekly,  if  their  conduct  is  satis- 
factory, probationers  are  allowed  to  report  every  two  weeks  and 
later  every  three  weeks  or  every  month.  Women  are  frequently 
excused  from  reporting  but  are  visited  more  frequently. 

In  the  Monroe  County  Children's  Court  as  a  general  rule  boys 
report  weekly;  girls  are  generally  not  required  to  report  but  are 
visited  more  frequently. 

In  the  Syracuse  Court  of  Special  Sessions,  all  children  report 
weekly;  adults  report  once  a  week  but  after  being  on  probation 
for  a  month  or  two  are  allowed  to  report  every  two  weeks. 


18 

TIME  OF  RECEIVING  REPORTS 

The  largest  number  of  probation  officers  receive  reports  from 
probationers  only  one  day  in  each  week.  However,  forty  officers 
received  reports  all  the  way  from  two  days  each  week  to  seven 
clays  a  week.  If  officers  supervise  both  children  and  adults  they 
usually  receive  them  on  separate  days,  or  otherwise  almost  invari- 
ably at  different  hours  of  the  same  day.  A  few  officers  receive 
reports  one  day  in  two  weeks ;  one  officer  receives  reports  only  one 
day  a  month. 

Children  of  school  age  on  probation  usually  report  in  the  after- 
noon; working  boys  and  adults  generally  report  in  the  evening. 
Several  officers  received  some  reports  on  Sundays.  In  the  New 
York  City  Magistrates'  Courts  reporting  on  Sunday  mornings 
was  practised  for  several  years,  but  recently  has  been  done  away 
with  in  favor  of  evening  reporting. 

The  number  of  probationers  received  on  a  given  day  varies  all 
the  way  from  two  to  three  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  at  a  sitting. 
The  most  common  number  is  from  twenty-five  to  fifty.  The 
length  of  time  spent  by  the  probation  officer  with  each  probationer 
when  he  reports  also  varies  greatly,  depending  upon  the  number 
received  and  also  upon  individual  factors.  Probation  officers 
differ  greatly  in  this  respect.  Some  officers  get  a  great  deal  out  of 
an  interview  by  friendly  conversation,  tactful  questioning,  and 
by  showing  a  real  interest  in  the  probationer.  Such  officers  invari- 
ably spend  more  time  in  their  interview  than  tho.se  with  whom 
reporting  is  perfunctory,  consisting  of  the  asking  of  a  few  stereo- 
typed questions  and  the  marking  of  a  card.  The  replies  received 
show  that  a  majority  of  the  officers  average  about  ten  minutes  for 
each  interview. 

There  is  a  great  deal  of  difference  between  officers  as  to  whether 
they  adhere  to  a  system  for  receiving  reports  and  as  to  whether 
they  require  their  probationers  to  report  promptly.  Many  offi- 
cers are  not  strict  in  requiring  reports,  allowing  probationers  to 
come  late  or  excuse  them  readily.  Officers  differ  in  the  prompt- 
ness with  which  failure  to  report  is  followed  up.  Some  officers 
send  out  a  written  notice  immediately,  followed  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible by  a  personal  call.  The  marking  of  a  card  brought  by  the 
probationer  with  the  date  of  the  report  and  a  reminder  of  the 
next  date  is  considered  an  important  aid. 


19 

PLACE  OF  RECEIVING  REPORTS 

The  place  most  commonly  used  by  probation  officers  in  receiv- 
ing reports  from  their  probationers  is  the  probation  office  in  the 
court  building.  An  increasing  tendency  is  shown  to  use  other 
offices  outside  the  court  building,  either  offices  regularly  estab- 
lished or  borrowed  from  some  other  agency,  such  as  public  schools 
and  settlement  houses.  The  homes  of  probation  officers  are  also 
used  in  special  cases.  In  only  one  instance  was  it  reported  that 
a  police  station  is  used.  (This  is  a  significant  contrast  with 
former  customs  when  such  places  were  very  commonly  used.) 
Some  officers  reported  using  as  many  as  four  different  places. 
Fifty-nine  per  cent,  of  the  officers,  used  only  one  place;  twenty- 
eight  per  cent,  used  two;  thirteen  per  cent,  three  or  more.  Invari- 
ably the  officers  who  used  more  than  one  place  made  use  of  the 
plant  of  other  social  agencies.  In  almost  all  cases  probation  offi- 
cers had  regular  offices  for  receiving  reports  from  their  charges, 
but  one  officer  had  "  too  many  reporting  places  to  name." 

In  the  New  York  City  Children's  Court  practically  all  report- 
ing by  children  on  probation  is  removed  from  the  court  buildings. 
School  boys  report  to  probation  officers  in  centrally  located  pub- 
lic school  buildings  in  different  districts  throughout  the  city. 
Workings  boys  and  girls  report  at  the  offices  of  the  Attendance 
Bureau  or  in  rooms  provided  by  private  social  agencies. 

In  the  ISTew  York  City  Magistrates'  Court  probationers  report 
generally  in  the  district  court  rooms  or  at  the  probation  head- 
quarters. In  a  few  districts  other  places  have  been  secured  for 
receiving  reports  apart  from  the  courts. 

In  the  other  large  offices  of  the  State,  probation  reports  are 
received  mainly  at  probation  headquarters  which  may  or  may  not 
be  located  in  the  same  building  as  the  court. 

ASSEMBLING  OF  PROBATIONERS 

The  most  frequently  criticized  feature  of  the  reporting  system 
as  it  is  still  conducted  in  many  courts  is  the  opportunity  afforded 
for  probationers  to  mingle  and  sometimes  to  converse  with  one 
another.  This  is  so  common  and  obvious  an  evil  that  it  has 
tended  to  throw  the  whole  reporting  plan  into  disrepute,  and  to 
suggest  that  it  be  given  up  entirely.  It  needs  no  argument  to 


20 

show  that  the  influence  upon  a  probationer  of  making  the  acquain- 
tance and  conversing  with  others  who  have  committed  offenses  of 
many  different  degrees  cannot  be  other  than  bad.  More  than 
this,  there  is  always  the  possibility  of  meeting  former  acquain- 
tances, "  pals/'  or  even  co-defendants  in  the  very  case  for  which 
the  probationer  was  placed  on  probation.  Instances  are  known 
where  probationers  formerly  acquainted  have  met  in  the  proba- 
tion office,  gone  out  together  after  reporting,  and  planned  another 
crime. 

The  question  before  the  committee  is:  can  this  evil  of  mingling 
in  connection  with  reporting  be  eliminated  or  if  not  can  it  be 
reduced  to  a  minimum  with  the  advantageous  features  of  personal 
reporting  retained. 

The  probation  officers  of  the  State  were  asked  to  state  how 
much  their  probationers  actually  assemble.  Seventy-four  officers 
state  that  they  assemble,  and  five  that  they  do  not.  The  remainder 
of  the  officers  state  that  their  probationers  meet  and  mingle  to 
some  extent,  but  not  in  large  numbers  or  to  a  serious  degree.  In 
general,  the  evil  of  contact  between  probationers  when  reporting 
appears  to  be  greatest  in  the  large  offices  where  reporting  is 
"  centralized  "  and  where  many  probationers  report  in  one  even- 
ing. When  the  reporting  is  in  the  court  building  or  in  one  central 
probation  office  in  a  large  city,  especially  when  several  probation 
officers  see  their  charges  in  one  room  or  in  adjoining  rooms,  the 
probationers  are  bound  to  mingle  more  or  less  either  inside  or 
outside  of  the  offices.  In  some  of  these  courts  the  men  wait  in  a 
large  room  or  stand  in  line,  or,  still  worse,  hang  about  in  groups 
outside  the  office  freely  conversing.  Sometimes  the  probationers, 
their  wives  and  children,  and  other  persons  mingle  and  converse 
freely.  Sometimes  two  or  three  officers  use  the  same  room.  One 
hundred  and  twenty-eight  of  the  officers  state  that  they  see  their 
probationers  alone,  but  some  of  these  talk  with  the  probationer 
in  the  same  room  where  others  are  waiting. 

From  the  data  received  and  investigations  throughout  the  State, 
the  conclusion  is  reached  that  the  mingling  of  probationers  is  still 
prevalent  and  a  serious  evil.  However,  in  recent  years  a  number 
of  methods  have  been  devised  to  meet  the  evil  and  have  been 
attended  with  success.  One  of  these  methods  which  has  been  used 


21 

with  satisfactory  results  in  the  courts  of  this  State  is  "  de-cen- 
tralized "  reporting.  Reports  are  not  received  at  the  court  or  in 
one  central  office  in  a  city,  but  in  selected  district  offices  through- 
out the  city,  only  one  officer  receiving  his  probationers  in  the 
district  office  on  a  designated  day  or  night. 

Another  method  is  arranging  for  reports  at  different  specified 
hours.  Reporting  is  "  spread  out."  In  a  number  6f  offices, 
especially  the  Xew  York  Children's  Court  and  the  Erie  County 
office,  half-hour  periods  are  used.  A  certain  number  of  proba- 
tioners (usually  but  three  or  four)  are  required  to  come  in  each 
half-hour  period.  In  this  way,  it  is  found  that  in  general  not 
more  than  three  or  four  probationers  are  in  the  waiting  room  at 
the  same  time.  This  plan  requires  careful  planning,  enforcing 
prompt  reporting  and  limiting  the  number  to  report  on  a  given 
day  or  night.  Many  officers  find  it  necessary  to  receive  reports  on 
more  than  one  day  each  week.  Several  officers  have  probationers 
who  live  in  the  same  locality  or  know  each  other,  report  on  differ- 
ent days  or  hours. 

Where  probationers  must  wait  in  an  outer  office  or  in  the 
reporting  room,  many  officers  seek  to  enforce  silence.  This  is 
done  by  watchfulness  on  the  part  of  the  probation  officer  or  by 
having  an  assistant  who  remains  in  the  waiting  room.  Some  offi- 
cers require  that  probationers  shall  sit  at  least  three  feet  apart. 
Many  officers  require  that  each  probationer  shall  leave  the  office 
alone  and  do  not  permit  probationers  to  wait  for  each  other  or  go 
out  in  pairs  or  in  groups.  A  large  waiting  room,  or  the  use  of 
several  rooms,  is  sometimes  found  helpful  in  keeping  probationers 
apart.  The  use  of  only  one  room  so  arranged  that  the  conversa- 
tion between  probation  officer  and  probationer  can  be  overheard 
by  others  is  still  too  common  and  is  to  be  condemned. 

Many  officers  instruct  their  probationers  not  to  loiter  about 
the  building,  but  to  go  home  directly  after  reporting,  and  they 
claim  that  this  rule  is  usually  complied  with.  Where  few  pro- 
bationers report  on  a  given  evening,  probation  officers  are  able 
to  handle  them  as  they  arrive  and  little  or  no  waiting  and  conse- 
quent contact  results.  In  enforcing  most  of  these  rules,  the  pro- 
bationer is  placed  on  his  honor.  The  best  results  are  obtained 
when  a  friendly  and  confidential  relationship  is  established 
between  the  probation  officer  and  the  probationer. 


22 

RESULTS  OBTAINED  THROUGH  REPORTING 

It  is  found  that  probation  officers  most  frequently  ask  their 
charges  at  the  time  of  reporting  questions  concerning  (1) 
employment;  (2)  home  conditions;  (3)  how  they  spend  their 
time;  (4)  church  attendance;  (5)  associates;  (6)  amount  of 
wages  received  and  how  spent;  (7)  amusements  and  recreations. 
The  following  are  examples  of  the  questions  asked : 

What  are  your  favorite  amusements; 
What  time  do  you  retire  at  night; 
Do  you  attend  church  regularly; 
How  often  do  you  attend  the  movies; 
Who  are  your  chums  and  companions; 
How  do  you  spend  your  wages ; 
How  do  you  like  your  employment ; 
What  kind  of  books  do  you  read; 
Are  you  giving  your  family  a  square  deal; 
Do  you  think  that  you  are  receiving  a  square  deal  from  your 
family. 

One  probation  officers  reports  the  practice  which  is  open  to 
serious  question  of  asking  his  probationers  regarding  the  conduct 
of  other  persons  on  probation. 

Keporting  affords  the  officer  an  opportunity  to  give  much  prac- 
tical assistance.  Advice  and  help  are  given,  for  example,  as  to 
the  following: 

1.  Physical  conditions: 

Health  of  the  probationer  and  his  family; 

Physical  effects  of  late  hours,  drink,  drugs,  bad  habits; 

Pride  in  personal  appearance. 

2.  Home  conditions: 

Improving  housekeeping  (women's  cases)  ; 

Obligations  as  a  parent  and  management  of  children; 

Rehabilitation  of  the  home; 

Payment  of  debts; 

Betterment  of  home  surroundings. 

3.  Self  improvement: 

Making  use  of  special  talents  and  interests ; 
Vocational  guidance  and  future  prospects; 
Attendance  at  night  school; 


Developing  ambition; 
[nvestment  of  savings; 
Helpful  recreation. 
4.   Character  and  habits: 
Honesty ; 
Industry ; 
Economy ; 

Avoidance  of  gambling,  drink  and  drugs; 
Consideration  of  the  rights  of  others; 
High  ideals; 

Obedience  and  respect  (in  children's  cases). 
Many  probation  officers  follow  up  their  advice  and  suggestions 
by  practical  help  of  many  kinds.     A  few  of  the  matters  which 
probation  officers  discuss  with  their  probationers  when  they  report 
are  as  follows: 

How  to  secure  better  or  more  permanent  employment; 
Collecting  wages; 
Paying  debts; 
Investments ; 

Reconciliations  with  wives  or  relatives ; 
Citizenship  papers; 

Entrance  to  schools,  especially  classes  for  foreigners; 
Legal  difficulties. 

Probation  officers  were  asfoed  to  specify  what  results  they 
believed  they  obtained  from  personal  reporting.  Only  eight  of 
the  one  hundred  and  sixty-five  probation  officers  who  answered 
this  question  appear  to  be  doubtful  or  to  disapprove  of  personal 
reporting.  Three  of  the  eight  state  that  in  their  opinion  personal 
reporting  is  of  no  real  value  unless  followed  by  home  visits;  two 
officers  replied  that  "  personal  reporting  had  no  value  in  non- 
support  cases  if  the  money  is  paid  regularly  unless  there  are 
prospects  for  reconciliation  " ;  one  officer  replied  that  reporting 
was  "  only  good  for  really  bad  cases ;  "  another  officer  thought 
that  reporting  was  "  too  disciplinary."  Only  one  officer  seemed 
to  be  unequivocally  opposed  to  it. 

Of  the  165  officers  who  were  in  favor  of  personal  reporting, 
46  secured  "  the  very  best  result "  from  it ;  30  found  reporting 
to  be  "  a  good  discipline ;  "  29  officers  "  become  really  acquainted 


with  probationers;"  27  state  that  it  "  keeps  them  in  close  and 
personal  touch  with  their  charges."  Others  state  that  reporting 
gives  them  valuable  information  or  at  least  puts  them  in  the  way 
of  getting  it.  For  instance,  if  there  is  a  family  quarrel  the 
officer  learns  of  it.  The  officer  finds  out  things  from  a  proba- 
tioner in  spite  of  himself.  Others  point  out  that  personal  report- 
ing is  a  valuable  means  of  gaining  the  probationer's  confidence. 
Some  said  that  through  it  they  established  lasting  friendships. 

Several  officers  state  that  reporting  gives  them  their  only 
chance  to  see  their  probationers  alone.  They  state  that  when 
visiting  the  homes  of  probationers  more  often  than  not  the  pro- 
bationer is  not  at  home.  If  he  is  seen,  it  is  usually  with  his  family 
and  not  alone.  Reporting  is  thought  to  be  especially  necessary 
when  the  officer  has  a  large  number  on  probation  and  when  visits 
cannot  be  made  frequently. 

It  is  also  felt  that  reporting  is  valuable  and  necessary  as  a 
discipline.  Most  probationers  realize  that  they  ought  to  pay 
some  penalty  for  violating  the  law.  Eegular  and  punctual  report- 
ing is  a  means  of  satisfying  this  requirement.  It  makes  proba- 
tioners live  up  to  certain  rules  and  suffer  some  inconvenience. 
One  officer  stated  that  there  would  be  little  respect  for  the  proba- 
tion system  unless  probationers  were  obliged  to  report;  it  makes 
them  understand  that  they  are  under  the  supervision  of  the  court 
and  helps  them  to  keep  straight.  One  officer  states  that  personal 
reporting  inspires  probationers  with  a  sense  of  loyalty  to  the 
supervising  probation  officer;  another  officer  finds  that  but  few 
probationers  resent  reporting  and  they  are  the  very  ones  who 
need  it  most. 

One  experienced  officer  put  it  thus :  "  Continued  reporting  if 
managed  correctly  will  in  most  instances  resolve  itself,  in  so  far 
as  the  probationer  is  concerned,  into  the  imparting  of  confidential 
information  concerning  himself,  his  family  affairs,  his  employ- 
ment, health,  ambitions,  disappointments  and  troubles.  I  also 
find  that  personal  reporting  stimulates  a  probationer's  pride,  at 
least  to  the  extent  of  causing  him  to  dress  up  and  look  neat  and 
clean.  *  *  *  Personal  reporting,  aside  from  the  above-men- 
tioned benefits  or  results,  has  this  advantage  which  is  by  no  means 
a  small  feature;  that  it  is  a  mild  form  of  discipline  which  con- 


25 

tiiiually  brings  to  the  probationer's  mind  the  probation  officer's 
authority  and  his  identity  with  the  court."  As  an  illustration  of 
the  valuable  results  which  may  be  obtained  through  a  well-con- 
ducted system  of  reporting,  the  following  account  of  an  observa- 
tion of  reporting  by  probationers  in  the  Erie  County  probation 
office,  as  reported  by  the  Secretary  of  this  Committee  is  given: 

"  About  twenty  cases  reported.  From  ten  to  twenty  min- 
utes was  consumed  by  each  report.  Not  one  probationer 
appeared  sullen ;  they  seemed  to  come  willingly.  In  general, 
they  showed  a  great  deal  of  cordiality  and  an  appreciative 
attitude  toward  the  officer.  Real  liking  and  respect  were 
shown  in  most  cases.  The  officer  had  a  friendly  personal 
talk  with  each  probationer,  bringing  out  points  of  contact 
and  mutual  interest.  He  secured  information  as  to  employ- 
ment, home  conditions,  habits  and  behavior  in  a  thorough 
manner.  He  was  tactful  and  endeavored  to  adapt  himself 
to  the  character  of  the  probationer.  He  seemed  to  get  into 
personal  touch  with  each  man  in  a  remarkable  way.  He  was 
interested  in  the  entire  family.  In  one  case,  the  probationer 
told  of  how  his  sister  appeared  to  be  getting  into  bad  sur- 
roundings and  that  she  was  likely  to  go  astray.  The  officer 
promised  to  take  the  matter  up  at  once  and  take  steps  to 
prevent  it.  Another  young  man  told  about  the  girl  he  was 
going  with.  The  probation  officer  took  the  name  of  the  latter 
in  order  to  find  out  what  kind  of  a  girl  she  was.  In  most 
cases,  the  officer  had  some  special  personal  service  to  offer, 
such  as  help  in  finding  better  living  quarters,  advice  regard- 
in  savings  accounts,  and  most  frequently  suggestions  and 
help  regarding  employment. 

"  In  some  cases,  however,  severity  appeared  necessary  and 
was  used.  Men  were  warned  to  be  regular  and  punctual  in 
reporting  when  they  were  tardy.  A  severe  lecture  was  admin- 
istered in  one  case  in  which  the  officer  had  found  by  a  recent 
visit  that  the  boy  was  not  doing  the  right  thing  and  was  not 
telling  him  the  truth.  In  another  case,  the  office1-  had  just 
seen  the  mother  and  talked  in  a  straightforward  manner  to 
the  probationer  about  providing  for  her  better.  Most  of  fhe 
interviews  were,  however,  kind  and  friendly  throughout. 


26 

"A  number  were  questioned  regarding  methods  used  with 
them.  Their  answers  were  taken  down  and  appear  in  the 
following  brief  descriptions: 

"  C.  J.  Offense,  abandonment.  Has  reported  every  week 
for  ten  months  with  only  one  or  two  exceptions.  When 
questioned  he  said :  'I'd  sooner  not  be  on  probation.  I'd  like 
to  get  through  with  it.  Reporting  is  all  right.  I  think  it 
does  me  good.  I  know  that  the  officer  is  watching  me  and  it 
helps  me  to  keep  out  of  trouble.  I  feel  somebody  is  back  of 
me.' 

"  R.  M.  Offense,  criminally  receiving  stolen  property. 
This  was  a  new  case,  a  gay,  careless,  talkative  chap  who 
seemed  really  to  like  to  come  in  and  gossip  with  the  officer 
who  had  ai  pleasant,  friendly  way  of  dealing  with  him. 
Regarding  reporting,  he  said :  e  ~No,  I  don't  mind  it.  I  like 
to  come  in.' 

"H.  F.  Offense,  burglary,  third  degree.  (Stole  $45 
worth  of  chickens  while  intoxicated. )  Said  regarding  report- 
ing and  probation :  '  Oh,  it's  all  right.  Mr 

helps  me.  I  don't  drink  any  more.  I'm  through  (seriously). 
Probation  is  good.  I'm  glad  this  thing  happened,  really. 
Otherwise,  I'd  be  going  along  in  the  same  old  way.' 

"A.  M.  Offense,  stole  with  others  while  intoxicated. 
This  was  a  boy  of  about  eighteen.  He  appeared  very  grate- 
ful for  the  help  given  him  by  the  probation  officer,  who  had 
induced  his  wife  to  leave  her  mother  who  had  caused  the 
disagreement  (mother-in-law  case),  and  go  back  and  live 
with  her  husband.  They  had  established  a  nice  little  home, 
according  to  the  probation  officer,  and  the  boy  had  quit 
drinking  and  bad  company.  $"ow  seems  to  be  happy  an.d 
prosperous.  Said  that  he  liked  to  report  to  Mr 

"  I.  L.  Offense,  assault,  third  degree.  A  young,  unmar- 
ried Pole.  Spoke  rather  broken  English.  Said :  (  Sure,  I 
like  to  come,  (and  seemed  to  very  much).  He  responded  to 

the  pleasant  manner  of  Mr and  told  all  about 

himself.  Had  been  eight  months  on  probation.  Saving  his 
money.  Had  $1,300  saved  up.  He  seemed  to  greatly  appre- 
ciate what  the  probation  officer  had  done  for  him. 


27 

"  (The  probation  officer  stated  that  when  this  boy  was 
arrested  some  of  his  '  friends '  in  the  boarding  house  where 
he  lived,  taking  advantage  of  his  ignorance  of  English  and 
of  customs  in  this  country,  had  tried  to  rob  him.  They  broke 
into  his  trunk  and  got  $55  and  had  tried  to  get  hold  of  his 

savings  in  the  bank.  Mr had  got  the  money 

all  back  for  him  and  protected  his  savings,  earning  his 
everlasting  gratitude.  He  feels  that  the  probation  officer  is 
his  friend  and  that  he  got  him  out  of  trouble  and  is  ready  to 
do  everything  he  can  to  help  him.) 

"  J.  R.  Offense,  assault,  third  degree.  This  was  a  big, 
good-natured,  childish  fellow,  who  seemed  to  need  the  offi- 
cer's help  and  guidance  and  got  it.  Had  been  on  probation 
five  months.  Officer  said  that  he  had  been  coming  in  to  see 
him  nearly  every  day  lately.  In  this  case  the  probation 
officer  stated  that  he  had  spoken  to  the  landlady  and  had 
helped  to  get  him  a  good  boarding  house.  He  was  now  get- 
ting him  a  job.  The  man  was  asked  to  come  in  to-morrow 
and  seemed  to  be  glad  to.  Said  that  he  didn't  mind  report- 
ing, was  glad  to  do  it,  but  didn't  like  to  have  to  wait  to  see 
the  officer. 

"  E.  L.  This  a  good-natured,  careless,  happy-go-lucky 
Irishman.  When  asked  about  reporting  he  said :  e  No,  that 
don't  bother  me.'  He  was  given  good  advice  by  the  probation 
officer.  He  said :  (  No  more  trouble  for  me.  That's  my 
first  and  last.' 

"  C.  M.  This  probationer  had  reported  every  week  with- 
out a  single  exception  for  ten  months.  During  this  time  the 
officer  had  made  eleven  home  visits.  The  boy  said  that  he 
had  given  up  his  former  associates  and  was  getting  along 
well.  Regarding  reporting  he  said :  '  Sometimes  it  is  a 

little  hard  to  report  but  I  don't  mind  it.  Mr is 

trying  to  help  me.'  Regarding  home  visits  he  said:  i  The 
officer  should  visit  to  find  out  if  I'm  really  working.' 

"  R.  M.  The  mother  of  this  probationer  had  been  asked 
by  the  probation  officer  to  see  him  at  the  office  to  discuss  the 
boy's  employment.  Mrs.  M.  spoke  highly  of  probation  and 
what  the  officer  was  doing  for  her  boy.  Said  R.  was  very 


28 

much  improved.  Eeporting,  she  thought,  was  a  very  good 
thing  for  him  and  the  only  way  for  the  officer  to  get  in  his 
influence.  Officer  had  helped  a  great  deal  by  getting  the 
hoy  a  job  and  advising  him. 

"  J.  M.  Offense,  petty  larceny.  Regarding  reporting  he 
said:  '  That  does  not  bother  me  any.7  He  seemed  to  be  so 
glad  to  have  gotten  out  of  jail  (was  held  forty-two  days 
awaiting  trial)  and  on  probation  that  I  believe  he  would 
come  to  report  every  day  if  necessary.  He  was  getting  his 
citizenship  papers.  The  officer  had  advised  him  to  do  so 
and*  was  assisting  him.  It  was  evident  that  the  officer  had 
the  full  confidence  of  this  probationer." 

In  many  courts  the  officers  endeavor  to  make  their  probationers 
neither  fear  nor  resent  reporting,  but  endeavor  rather  to  make  it 
attractive.  The  chief  probation  officer  of  the  Monroe  County 
Children's  Court  states  that  probationers  are  "  made  to  feel  that 
they  are  always  welcome  to  come  to  the  probation  office  and  talk 
over  their  troubles."  Many  officers  feel  that  more  can  be  accom- 
plished through  encouragement  than  through  severity.  By  means 
of  a  friendly  encouraging  talk,  some  officers  report  that  they  have 
helped  to  change  the  habits  of  probationers  and  to  prevent  them 
from  relapsing  into  former  bad  habits  in  periods  of  discourage- 
ment. 

In  contrast  to  the  above  methods,  there  is  a  perfunctory  kind  of 
reporting  too  commonly  used.  It  consists  of  a  few  stereotyped 
questions  regarding  employment  and  conduct.  Few  results  are 
obtained  except  the  discipline  of  the  probationer.  Some  officers 
were  found  to  be  emphasizing  the  disciplinary  side  of  their  work 
far  too  much.  These  officers  believe  in  talking  very  severely  to 
their  probationers  when  they  are  not  doing  well  and  sometimes 
when  they  are.  At  times  it  is  necessary  to  be  severe,  but  too 
great  use  of  this  method  is  found  to  destroy  all  that  is  best  in  the 
relationship. 

The  officers  were  asked  in  how  many  cases  had  statements  been 
made  by  probationers  which  were  subsequently  found  to  be  untrue, 
A  large  majority  of  the  officers  had  this  experience  in  a  relatively 
small  percentage  of  their  cases.  A  few  officers  state  that  false 
statements  are  made  to  them  by  50  per  cent  of  their  probationers, 


29 

and  cue  officer  says  GO  per  cent.  Several  of  the  officers  who 
report  that  a  great  many  lies  are  told  say  that  these  are  principally 
in  cases  which  have  been  placed  on  probation  but  recently.  Drink- 
ing men  and  drug  addicts  are  found  unreliable  in  their  statements. 
One  officer  states  that  he  never  believes  the  statements  of  drug 
addicts.  One  officer  handling  children  in  New  York  City  states 
that  40  per  cent  of  the  children  she  receives  when  first  placed  on 
probation  are  untruthful.  One  officer  gave  the  following  instance : 
A  certain  probationer  told  him  every  time  he  came  to  report  dur- 
ing two  months  that  he  wras  working  at  a  certain  place.  At  last 
the  officer  went  to  this  place  and  found  that  the  probationer  had 
never  been  there.  One  cannot  help  wondering  whether  it  is  not 
the  officer  rather  than  the  probationer  who  is  at  fault  in  this  case 
in  allowing  himself  to  be  so  easily  deceived.  Another  officer  states 
that  "  experience  has  taught  probation  officers  that  when  you  have 
the  confidence  of  probationers  and  are  advising  and  helping  them 
you  get  a  fair  story." 

The  ability  of  probation  officers  to  "  see  through  "  their  pro- 
bationers is  an  important  factor.  Their  reports  indicate  that 
there  is  a  great  difference  in  officers  in  this  respect.  The  power 
of  analyzing  the  motives  and  mental  processes  of  the  probationer, 
of  feeling  out  his  truthfulness,  while  in  part  a  natural  endow- 
ment, may  be  cultivated. 

The  probation  officers  were  asked  to  review  all  of  their  cases 
found  to  be  doing  badly  during  the  last  two  years  or  longer  and 
to  state  whether  they  secured  any  evidence  from  reporting  that 
such  probationers  were  not  doing  well.  Ninety-seven  probation 
officers  report  that  they  made  such  an  examination.  Of  these,  sev- 
enty-one state  that  certain  evidence  was  derived  from  reporting 
which  led  them  to  believe  that  these  cases  were  not  doing  well. 
The  remaining  twenty-six  state  that  no  such  evidence  was  secured. 
The  probationer's  appearance  and  statements  in  the  majority  of 
cases  aroused  the  suspicions  of  most  of  the  officers.  One  officer, 
however,  stated  that  neither  the  appearance  nor  statements  of 
probationers  are  reliable  indices,  because  probationers  doing  badly 
sometimes  endeavor  to  look  their  best  and  assert  that  they  are 
doing  well.  Irregularity  in  reporting  was  found  to  be  a  common 
indication  of  bad  conduct,  while  missing  or  forged  school  cards 


30 

or  receipts  in  non-support  cases  acted  as  danger  signals  to  many 
officers.  Several  officers  in  such  cases  resorted  to  skillful  cross 
examination  which  revealed  certain  facts  and  led  to  subsequent 
investigation. 

OPINIONS  OF  EX-PROBATIONERS  ON  REPORTING 

In  the  interview  held  with  persons  who  had  completed  proba- 
tion terms  and  with  members  of  their  families  but  little  opposi- 
tion wasi  expressed  to  the  requirement  of  personal  reporting. 
Many  of  them  cordially  approved  of  it.  Some  of  the  statements 
favoring  reporting  which  were  made  to  the  investigator  follow: 

From  a  man  who  had  completed  his  probation :  "  Having  to 
report  to  the  officer  did  me  good.  I  hated  to  go  down  there  but  it 
was  a  good  thing  for  it  kept  me  straight." 

From  a  boy  who  was  still  on  probation :  "  I  get  a  lot  of  good 
out  of  talking  with  the  officer.  He  understands  me." 

From  a  man  who  had  been  on  probation :  "  By  all  means  pro- 
bationers should  report  at  the  office.  Without  it  they  would  fail 
utterly  to  live  up  to  the  terms  of  their  probation.  They  would 
forget  that  they  were  on  probation  and  there  would  be  no  resulting 
good.  The  reporting  is  a  restraint  and  it  should  never  be  excused." 

From  the  mother  of  a  boy  who  had  been  on  probation :  "  The 
reporting  was  about  all  there  was  to  the  probation,  and  as  it  kept 
John's  memory  clear  about  that  stealing  and  kept  him  away  from 
the  crowd  he  used  to  go  with  and  on  account  of  which  he  got  into 
trouble,  I  should  say  that  reporting  was  a  very  good  thing." 

From  a  young  man  who  had  been  on  probation :  "  Reporting 
is  all  right.  I  knew  I  had  to  do  it  so  I  did.  A  man  will  do  lots 
of  things  when  he  has  to  and  will  not  mind  it.  It  holds  a  man 
from  doing  things  which  he  would  otherwise  do." 

From  the  wife  of  a  former  probationer :  "  I  believe  it  was  a 
very  good  thing  for  him  to  have  to  report  each  week  at  the  office." 

On  the  other  hand,  a  few  unfavorable  opinions  were  received. 
The  following  is  one  of  these: 

From  a  man  who  had  been  on  probation :  "  The  reporting 
didn't  mean  much  to  me  as  I  was  just  there  a  minute  and  then 
went  right  out.  I  did  not  stay  to  talk  with  the  officer  because 
there  was  always  a  lot  ahead  of  me  and  in  line  behind  me." 

Several  former  probationers  expressed  the  opinion  that  report- 


31 


ing  without  visiting  was  ineffectual  if  not  dangerous.  A  very 
intelligent  man  who  had  successfully  finished  a  years  probation 
said :  "  Keporting  is  a  good  thing  but  I  believe  it  should  be  fol- 
lowed up  closely  by  going  to  the  homes  and  seeing  whether  the 
men  have  been  lying  to  the  officer.  Reporting  alone,  without 
checking  it  up,  would  hurt  probation  as  some  of  the  men  would 
take  advantage  of  the  trust  which  the  officer  placed  in  them.  It 
seems  to  me  that  an  officer  can  accomplish  a  lot  by  going  to  the 
homes  and  seeing  the  family." 

WRITTEN   REPORTS 

As  an  additional  factor  in  supervision  the  requiring  of  written 
reports  in  certain  cases  is  a  common  practice  throughout  the 
State.  They  are  either  required  to  be  brought  to  the  officer  when 
the  probationer  makes  his  personal  report  or  are  sent  by  mail. 

School  reports  are  required  by  practically  every  probation  offi- 
cer supervising  children.  These  are  most  commonly  brought  in 
each  week  by  the  children  when  they  report  though  sometimes 
they  are  mailed  by  the  teachers.  These  reports  are  invariably 
simple,  requiring  a  statement  of  attendance,  conduct  and  scholar- 
ship. Blanks  for  these  reports  are  given  to  the  children  to  be 
taken  to  the  teacher  or  are  sent  directly  to  the  teacher.  They  are 
required  to  be  filled  out  and  usually  are  returned  weekly.  Some 
officers,  however,  receive  them  bi-weekly  and  in  a  few  cases 
monthly.  In  "the  New  York  City  Children's  Court  they  are 
received  bi-weekly;  they  are  usually  not  required  in  improper 
guardianship  cases.  Some  officers  omit  the  school  report  when 
attendance  is  found  to  be  regular.  When  a  child  reports  absence 
on  account  of  sickness  a  doctor's  certificate  is  sometimes  required. 

Some  courts  having  parents  on  probation  for  failing  to  send 
their  children  to  school  require  reports  from  the  schools  regard- 
ing the  attendance  of  the  children.  These  are  received  weekly, 
bi-weekly  or  monthly,  depending  on  the  case. 

Other  written  reports  which  some  probation  officers  require  at 
the  time  of  reporting  are  reports  from  wives,  parents,  employers, 
pastors  and  physicians.  Men  required  to  pay  support  money 
directly  to  their  wives  are  often  directed  to  bring  receipts.  Pro- 
bationers making  restitution  also  bring  receipts  of  payments  to 


injured  parties.  Written  reports  from  parents  are  used  in  cer- 
tain cases  to  get  information  and  to  obtain  cooperation.  Keports 
from  employers  usually  relate  only  to  employment.  Some  pro- 
bation officers  ask  their  probationers  to  bring  their  pay  envelopes. 
This  has  been  done  in  the  New  York  City  Night  Court  in  cases 
of  women  convicted  of  prostitution.  Reports  from  pastors  or 
physicians  are  secured  occasionally.  Pastors  sometimes  send 
pledge  cards. 

A  large  majority  of  the  probation  officers  require  written 
reports  from  the  probationers  themselves  when  they  are  unable 
to  report  in  person.  These  are  most  commonly  asked  when  pro- 
bationers are  living  or  employed  outside  the  city  or  county.  Some 
officers  allow  written  reports  to  be  sent  instead  of  requiring  per- 
sonal reports  from  probationers  whose  work  makes  it  difficult  for 
them  to  come  to  the  probation  office.  A  number  of  officers  allow 
written  reports  when  their  charges  are  ill.  A  few  officers  require 
written  reports  in  addition  to  personal  reports  in  troublesome 
cases.  One  officer  allows  written  reports  from  children  and  girls 
living  at  some  distance  from  the  probation  office.  Other  officers 
allow  written  reports  in  cases  which  in  their  opinion  do  not  need 
close  supervision.  Three  probation  officers  require  that  written 
reports  be  filled  out  by  their 'probationers  in  addition  to  their  per- 
sonal reports. 

Forty-two  probation  officers  when  substituting  written  reports 
for  personal  reports  require  that  they  be  sent  weekly,  thirty-one 
that  they  be  sent  every  two  weeks,  and  seventeen  monthly,  three 
once  in  two  months. 

Written  reports  from  the  probationers  call  for  statements  con- 
cerning employment,  wages,  school  attendance  in  the  case  of 
school  children,  general  conduct,  religious  life,  associates,  recrea- 
tion, home  life  and  savings.  Frequently  probation  officers  ask 
that  written  reports  be  endorsed  by  employers,  parents  or  guar- 
dians, wives,  teachers,  clergymen  or  other  interested  persons. 
Most  of  the  probation  officers  state  that  they  require  these  reports 
to  be  endorsed  in  some  cases.  When  the  probationer  reports  illness 
physicians  are  sometimes  asked  to  endorse  reports. 

The  officers  were  asked  what  results  they  secured  from  written 
reports.  One  hundred  and  forty-two  officers  replied.  Forty  state 


33 

that  they  secure  good  results;  fifty-one  others  say  "  satisfactory  in 
some  cases."  Some  of  these  officers  point  out  that  one  of  the 
principal  uses  of  the  written  report  is  that  it  brings  to  the  atten- 
tion of  the  probationer  the  fact  that  he  is  under  supervision. 
Fifty-one  officers  question  the  value  of  written  reports.  Most  of 
these  believe  that  they  should  only  be  used  when  personal  reports 
are  impossible,  or  when  they  are  the  only  method  of  keeping  in 
touch  with  the  probationer  because  of  his  distance  from  the  pro- 
bation office.  Thirteen  officers  replied  that  written  reports  are 
valueless  unless  followed  by  home  visits  or  otherwise  verified. 
Some  officers  replied  that  written  reports  are  little  better  than 
nothing. 

A  few  officers  allow  reports  by  telephone  in  special  cases,  usually 
only  when  personal  reports  are  impossible.  In  general,  these  are 
not  considered  of  much  value. 

EMPLOYMENT 

The  question  of  supervising  employment  is  of  extreme  impor- 
tance in  many  probation  cases,  because  it  has  a  direct  effect-  on 
character  and  conduct.  It  was  found  that  90  per  cent  of  the  pro- 
bation officers  aided  some  of  their  probationers  in  finding  employ- 
ment. Only  twelve  officers  did  not  assist  any  of  their  charges  in 
this  respect.  Ten  per  cent  was  the  average  number  of  probationers 
assisted  in  getting  work  during  the  past  year.  In  "  dull  times  " 
work  has  been  secured  for  a  much  larger  percentage.  The  officers 
in  Erie  county  state  that  during  periods  of  labor  depression  situa- 
tions have  been  obtained  for  64  per  cent  of  their  probationers. 

A  small  group  of  officers  object  to  assuming  the  responsibility  of 
securing  work  for  their  probationers,  claiming  that  requiring  pro- 
bationers to  hunt  their  own  work  helps  them  to  acquire  confidence 
and  self-reliance.  It  would  seem  that  this  consideration  would  in 
most  cases  be  far  outweighed  by  the  importance  of  getting  the 
probationer  into  suitable  employment  promptly. 

Opinions  differed  as  to  the  relations  which  should  be  maintained 
with  employers.  'Seventy-eight  per  cent  of  the  officers  state  that 
they  endeavored  to  maintain  friendly  relations.  Twenty-two  per 
cent  avoid  such  relations  and  only  come  into  contact  with  employ- 
ers when  necessary ;  a  number  of  these  thought  that  too  close  rela- 


3  ft 

lions  with  employers  injured  the  probationers'  chances.  Seventy- 
seven  per  cent  kept  a  directory  or  list  of  employers.  As  a  rule, 
officers  feel  that  it  is  not  advisable  for  employers  to  know  that 
employees  are  under  the  supervision  of  the  court.  On  the  other 
hand,  some  officers  obtain  practical  cooperation  from  employer-} 
not  only  in  furnishing  employment  in  given  cases,  but  in  advising, 
helping  and  supervising  them.  One  officer  makes  a  point  of  send- 
ing his  annual  report  and  other  literature  to  a  list  of  employers, 
inviting  them  to  attend  court  and  inspect  the  probation  offices. 

Employment  bureaus,  with  special  officers  in  charge  have 
not  so  far  been  developed  in  any  of  the  large  courts  in  this  State 
as  has  been  done  in  other  states.  In  general  each  officer  attends  to 
his  own  probationers.  In  dealing  with  employers  officers  com- 
monly use  the  telephone,  after  having  first  established  friendly 
relations  through  personal  interviews. 

Vocational  advice  is  .not  systematized  in  most  courts.  The  New 
York  Children's  Court  maintains  a  vocational  bureau.  This 
bureau  makes  an  effort  to  place  children  in  suitable  occupations 
after  studying  the  aptitudes  of  the  child. 

PHYSICAL  AND  MENTAL  EXAMINATIONS 

It  is  beginning  to  be  increasingly  recognized  that  the  proper 
selection  of  probation  cases  and  their  supervision  calls  for  an 
individual  study  and  understanding  of  each  case.  Scientific 
probation  work  requires  the  services  of  physicians,  psychiatrists 
and  psychologists.  Physical,  mental  and  psychological  examina- 
tions, if  possible  before  persons  are  placed  on  probation,  are  of  th^ 
greatest  assistance  to  the  probation  officers:  in  many  cases  such 
examinations  are  indispensable  to  proper  treatment. 

As  a  feature  of  probation  supervision,  the  probation  officers 
were  asked  as  to  the  extent  of  their  use  of  both  physical  and 
mental  examinations.  One  hundred  and  twenty-nine  probation 
officers  during  the  past  year  had  neither  mental  or  physical  exam- 
inations or  both  made  in  some  of  their  cases.  One  hundred  and 
five  of  these  had  both  physical  and  mental  examinations.  Only 
thirty-seven  probation  officers  did  not  use  the  services  of  physi- 
cians. The  officers  having  examinations  reported  all  the  way  from 
1  per  cent  to  75  per  cent  so  examined.  One  officer  had  all  cases 


35 

examined;  two  had  all  cases  of  girls  examined.  A  majority  of 
the  officers  reported  the  exact  number  of  examinations  made.  The 
total  number  of  cases  reported  was  as  follows:  physical  examina- 
tions, 817;  mental  examinations,  613. 

A  majority  of  these  examinations  were  made  before  persons 
were  placed  on  probation.  A  total  of  three  hundred  and  thirty- 
two  examinations  were  made  subsequent  to  release  on  probation. 
Probation  officers  often  use  the  services  of  several  physicians  in 
such  examinations.  Sixty-three  officers  made  use  of  the  medical 
staff  of  hospitals;  others  used  physicians  of  special  clinics,  city 
health  departments  or  physicians  and  psychologists  employed  by 
boards  of  education. 

As  a  result  of  physical  examinations  the  probation  officers 
report  that  physical  defects  have  been  ascertained  and  proper 
medical  attention  secured  in  many  instances.  Several  officers 
state  that  causes  of  delinquency  have  been  thus  discovered.  It  has 
been  found  that  as  a  result  of  these  examinations  surgical  opera- 
tions or  other  special  forms  of  treatment  have  been  ordered  which 
have  led  to  the  material  improvement  of  the  probationer.  The 
New  York  City  Magistrates'  Courts,  the  Erie  County  Court  and 
the  Buffalo  City  Court  report  that  physical  examinations  have 
in  some  cases  assisted  in  determining  probationers'  fitness  for 
certain  kinds  of  work. 

Mental  examinations  in  many  instances  show  abnormal  condi- 
tions which  make  the  placing  of  persons  on  probation  unwise  and 
lead  to  their  commitment  to  institutions  instead.  Where  men- 
tality is  such  that  probation  may  be  used,  such  examinations  aid 
in  determining  the  plan  of  treatment  which  may  lead  to  the 
remedy  of  conditions  causing  an  abnormal  mental  state.  With 
knowledge  gained  through  mental  examinations  probation  officers 
may  be  able  to  adjust  defective  individuals  to  their  environment. 

Enthusiastic  reports  of  the  assistance  rendered  by  such  examina- 
tions were  made  by  the  probation  officers  in  the  New  York  City 
Children's  Court,  Examinations  are  there  had  of  all  children, 
either  before  or  after  they  are  placed  on  probation,  which  in  the 
opinion  of  the  judges  or  probation  officers  are  in  need  of  the  same. 
These  examinations  are  made  in  the  Physchopathic  Clinic  con- 
nected with  the  court  and  by  specialists  connected  with  various 


36 

hospitals  and  institutions.  Practical  results  are  reported.  Por 
instance,  physical  defects  which  were  unknown  to  parents  have 
been  corrected,  glasses  have  been  provided,  adenoids  and  tonsils 
removed,  children  treated  who  were  suffering  from  malnutrition, 
and  defective  children  placed  in  proper  institutions  or  in  special 
classes  in  school. 

In  the  New  York  City  Court  of  Special  Sessions,  physical 
examinations  are  made  when  venereal  diseases  are  suspected,  and" 
when  the  nature  of  the  case  seems  to  demand  it,  they  are  frequently 
made  in  other  cases. 

In  the  Erie  County  probation  office  from  12  to  15  per  cent  of 
all  cases  are  examined  physically  and  mentally  before  being  placed 
on  probation.  The  officers  of  this  court  firmly  believe  in  the  value 
of  both  physical  and  mental  examinations  and  at  every  opportunity 
have  urged  the  need,  of  employing  a  specialist  in  the  court. 

In  the  Children's  Court  of  Buffalo  nearly  all  of  the  children's 
cases  are  examined  by  a  paid  psychiatrist.  Results  have  been 
most  satisfactory. 

In  the  Monroe  County  Children's  Court  and  in  the  Syracuse 
Children's  Court,  physical  and  mental  examinations  have  been 
made  by  physicians  connected  with  the  schools  or  other  city 
departments. 

COOPERATION 

In  the  supervision  of  persons  on  probation,  it  is  generally 
recognized  that  the  officer  can  accomplish  but  little  without  the 
cooperation  of  other  agencies,  public  and  private.  Much  differ- 
ence was  shown  among  individual  officers  in  this  respect.  Some 
officers  cooperate  with  every  agency  in  the  city  or  county  which 
will  give  any  assistance.  Only  two  officers  question  generally  the 
value  of  cooperation;  some  point  out  that  results  secured  are  not 
uniformly  good,  and  in  some  instances  cooperation  has  been  a 
failure. 

Volunteer  probation  officers  are  now  used  in  this  State  chiefly 
where  there  are  no  salaried  officers  or  an  inadequate  number.  In 
very  few  courts  where  there  are  salaried  officers  are  probationers 
turned  over  to  the  care  of  volunteers  but  salaried  officers  frequently 
use  volunteers  to  supplement  their  work.  Through  "  Big 
Brothers,"  "  Big  Sisters,"  or  other  volunteers  special  services  are 


37 

performed  and  closer  supervision  maintained  in  certain  cases, 
particularly  of  children.  In  rural  work  volunteers  are  very  valu- 
able in  supervising  scattered  probationers.  In  all  cases  it  is 
believed  the  salaried  officer  should  not  only  select  his  volunteers 
with  care  but  should  supervise  their  work  carefully.  A  written 
monthly  report  from  each  volunteer  is  sometimes  required  and  is 
advisable. 

The  groups  of  agencies  which  were  reported  as  giving  the  most 
cooperation  are  as  follows:  charity  organization  societies  or  other 
relief  organizations,  big  brothers  and  big  sisters,  societies  for  the 
prevention  of  cruelty  to  children,  children's  aid  societies  or  child- 
placing  agencies,  churches,  schools  and  agencies  connected  with 
the  schools,  hospitals  and  clinics,  clubs,  settlements,  the  Salvation 
Army,  city  police  departments,  departments  of  health,  depart- 
ments of  charities  and  labor  bureaus. 

Most  of  the  officers  secured  good  results  from  the  cooperation  of 
these  and  other  agencies,  especially  in  efforts  to  help  the  family  of 
the  probationer.  One  officer  states:  "An  officer  can't  accomplish 
much  alone;  success  is  measured  by  the  cooperation  received." 
Other  officers  say  that  as  a  result  of  the  information  and  help 
received  from  various  agencies  they  could  form  intelligent  and 
constructive  plans.  Many  officers  state  that  they  secure  valuable 
information  and  financial,  medical  or  social  aid.  One  officer 
learned  of  ^delations  of  probation.  Officers  report :  "  Splendid 
and  friendly  cooperation  received."  "  Cooperation  indispensable 
in  efficient  probation ;  it  broadens  the  mind  of  the  probation  officer, 
opens  up  the  road  to  opportunities  and  has  a  good  influence  on 
society  in  general,  reminding  the  people  that  they  are  their 
brothers'  keepers."  One  officer  says:  "  Without  cooperation,  pro- 
bation is  a  failure " ;  another,  "  Splendid  results  obtained  and 
clearer  vision  of  the  work  and  a  feeling  of  relief  and  satisfaction 
that  others  are  willing  to  help."  "  The  point  of  view  of  other 
agencies  is  obtained."  "  The  probation  office  by  cooperation 
avoids  doing  work  for  which  is  it  not  fitted." 

Successful  probation  officers  do  not  limit  their  efforts  to  the 
probationer  alone  but  endeavor  to  assist  the  whole  family.  Li 
doing  so  they  are  called  upon  to  adjust  problems  arising  not  only 
from  delinquency  and  neglect,  but  also  those  of  poverty  and  sick- 


38 

ness.  An  instance  was  cited  by  one  of  the  officers  in  which  every 
individual  in  a  family  of  seven  was  helped.  Different  agencies 
were  asked  to  assist,  and  ultimately,  this  family  was  reconstructed. 

By  cooperation  many  officers  secured  material  assistance, 
employment,  physical  examinations  or  medical  treatment;  they 
arranged  for  transportation,  placed  boys  on  farms,  found  homes  % 
for  friendless  men,  provided  recreation,  secured  the  admission  of 
boys  in  wholesome  clubs,  cared  for  neglected  children,  dealt  with 
non-support  cases,  secured  provision  for  religious  training,  im- 
proved the  environment  of  homes  and  helped  to  break  up  gangs. 

A  large  number  of  officers  reported  good  results  from  the  use  of 
the  Social  Service  or  Confidential  Exchange  through  which  they 
learn  of  the  agencies  who  have  worked  or  are  working  with  fami- 
lies. In  this  way  valuable  information  is  received  and  duplication 
of  work  avoided.  In  a  number  of  courts  every  case  is  registered 
with  such  an  exchange. 

Cooperation  of  the  schools  is  used  not  only  to  obtain  informa- 
tion regarding  attendance  and  conduct,  but  also  by  means  of  visits 
to  the  schools  and  conferences  with  the  teachers  and  attendance 
officers  valuable  suggestions  and  information  regarding  home  con- 
ditions and  the  physical  and  mental  make-up  of  the  children  are 
secured.  Contrary  to  the  opinion  of  most  officers  a  few  state 
that  teachers  should  not  be  informed  that  children  are  on  pro- 
bation. 

Cooperation  of  employers  is  secured  not  only  to  provide  posi- 
tions but  also  to  give  information  regarding  probationers  and  to 
assist  the  officers  in  supervision. 

THE  RELATION  OF  THE  COURT  TO  PROBATION  SUPERVISION 

Although  this  study  attempts  to  deal  only  with  the  methods 
employed  by  probation  officers  in  supervising  their  charges,  some- 
thing should  be  said  in  regard  to  the  relationship  of  judges  to 
probationary  supervision.  Aside  from  the  primary  function  of 
the  selection  of  cases  for  probation  which  belongs  to  the  judge, 
guided  by  such  investigation  and  suggestions  as  may  be  called  for 
from  the  probation  officer,  the  judge  has  the  fundamentally 
important  duty  of  backing  up  and  making  effective  all  that  the 
officer  does.  Full  cooperation  by  the  court  is  therefore  essential. 


39 

As  to  the  details  of  this  relationship,  there  is  much  variety  in 
methods  and  considerable  difference  of  opinion.  Some  judges 
keep  in  close  touch  with  their  probation  officers  and  insist  on  fre- 
quent reports,  not  only  from  the  probation  officers  but  from  those 
on  probation.  Many  other  judges  leave  all  supervision  to  the 
officers  and  do  not  even  require  written  reports  on  the  work  except 
}>erhaps  once  a  year.  At  one  time  it  was  common  for  judges  to 
hold  a  "  probation  court,"  usually  at  night,  when  all  or  a  sub- 
stantial number  of  the  persons  on  probation  were  required  to  report 
in  person  to  the  judge  at  which  time  they  were  either  discharged 
from  probation,  continued  on  probation,  reprimanded  if  neces- 
sary, and  sometimes  sentenced.  The  assembling  of  probationers 
in  large  numbers  and  their  consequent  meeting  and  mingling 
seems  to  be  an  inevitable  part  of  this  system  and  is  doubtless  one 
reason  for  its  discontinuance  in  many  courts. 

The  ]^ew  York  Court  of  Special  Sessions  has  for  years  required 
all  probationers  to  come  before  a  judge  of  the  court  at  intervals 
during  the  probation  period.  The  court  sits  to  receive  reports 
twice  a  month  in  Manhattan,  twice  a  month  in  Brooklyn,  and  once 
a  month  in  the  other  boroughs.  The  court  is  held  at  night  in  Man- 
hattan and  Brooklyn.  Probationers  are  brought  before  it  after 
they  have  been  on  probation  for  about  three  months.  The  pro- 
bationers assemble  in  a  large  court  room.  While  they  are  waiting 
to  report  they  are  under  supervision  and  silence  is  enforced.  As 
they  come  in  large  numbers,  however,  there  is  an  opportunity  for 
meeting  and  getting  together  in  groups  in  going  to  and  coming 
from  the  court  room. 

The  judge  who  is  selected  to  hold  probation  court  sits  in  cham- 
bers, and  the  probationers  are  brought  before  him,  one  at  a  time. 
The  probation  officer  reviews  the  case  and  the  judge  has  a  brief, 
friendly  talk  with  the  probationer.  He  is  then  either  discharged 
or  continued  on  probation  to  report  at  a  subsequent  date.  This 
return  date  is  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  chief  probation  officer. 

By  this  reporting  method  judges  are  kept  in  touch  to  some 
extent  with  the  probationers  and  the  latter  are  impressed  with  the 
seriousness  of  probation.  The  judges  also  keep  in  touch  with  the 
work  of  the  probation  officers  and  are  better  able  to  supervise  their 
work.  On  the  other  hand  there  is  the  evil  of  bringing  together 


40 

probationers  in  large  numbers  and  the  danger  arising  from  their 
possible  meeting  and  mingling. 

An  annual  probation  night  has  been  maintained  in  the  Erie 
County  Court  until  recently.  One  is  held  semi-annually  in  the 
Bronx  County  Court.  These,  however,  are  held  principally  for 
the  discharge  of  probationers,  although  some  of  those  brought 
before  the  court  are  continued  011  probation.  In  each  case  there 
is  assembling  of  probationers  in  large  numbers  and  sometimes  a 
general  address  by  the  court. 

In  the  New  York  City  Children's  Court 'two  methods  prevail. 
In  Manhattan  when  the  judge  places  a  child  on  probation  for 
juvenile  delinquency  no  date  is  fixed  in  advance  for  the  termina- 
tion of  the  probationary  supervision.  Within  a  period  of  between 
four  and  six  weeks  the  probation  officer  submits  his  first  report  to 
the  court,  and  if  it  is  favorable,  the  child  is  not  required  to  be  in 
court  on  that  date.  The  duration  of  the  probationary  period 
depends  upon  the  future  progress  and  condition  of  the  child.  The 
case  record  is  inspected  monthly  by  a  deputy  chief  probation  offi- 
cer, and  if  at  any  time  during  this  period  the  child  fails  to  comply 
with  the  terms  of  probation  or  misbehaves  in  any  way,  the  officer 
will  bring  him  back  before  the  court  as  often  as  may  be  necessary, 
either  for  the  purpose  of  admonishment  by  the  judge  or  for  a 
reconsideration  of  the  question  of  his  commitment. 

When  in  the  opinion  of  the  probation  officer  the  time  has  arrived 
for  the  discharge  of  the  child,  the  case  is  presented  to  the  ^chief  or 
deputy  chief  probation  officer  for  advice,  and  if  approved  by  the 
supervisor  the  case  is  placed  on  the  calendar  for  review  and  dis- 
position by  the  judge  who  placed  the  child  on  probation.  When 
this  report  is  submitted  the  child  is  requested  to  appear  before  the 
judge  in  chambers,  after  school  hours  in  the  case  of  school  chil- 
dren. For  the  convenience  of  working  children  evening  proba- 
tion sessions  are  held. 

In  the  Brooklyn  court  return  dates  are  fixed  by  the  judge  but 
the  children  are  not  brought  before  him  except  in  special  instances 
for  reprimand  or  for  other  reasons.  The  probation  officer  reports 
to  the  judge  in  private  upon  the  progress  and  condition  of  each 
case  monthly.  Case  histories  are  submitted  and  each  case  is  dis- 
cussed thoroughly  with  the  judge. 


41 

In  many  other  courts  probation  officers  are  instructed  to  have 
their  probationers  come  before  the  judge  to  be  discharged.  This 
is  usually  done  in  the  judge's  chambers,  either  at  the  end  of  a 
stated  period  or  when  the  probation  officer  recommends  that  they 
should  be  discharged.  Probationers  when  not  doing  well  are 
often  brought  before  the  court  for  reprimand  during  their  proba- 
tion period.  On  the  other  hand,  there  are  many  courts  which 
leave  the  entire  supervision  and  discharge  of  probationers  to  the 
probation  officer.  The  cooperation  and  sympathy  of  the  judge  is 
needed  by  the  probation  officer.  Some  contact  with  the  probation- 
ers, particularly  at  the  time  of  discharge,  is  generally  considered 
advisable. 

The  practice  of  placing  persons  on  probation  for  an  indefinite 
period,  to  be  determined  by  the  character  and  conduct  of  the 
probationer,  is  becoming  increasingly  common  in  the  State,  espe- 
cially in  children's  cases.  All  probation  periods  are  indetermin- 
ate in  the  ^Tew  York  City  Children's  Court  and  Court  of  Special 
Sessions,  the  Monroe  County  Children's  Court,  the  Albany  County 
Court  and  others.  By  this  method  discharge  from  probation  must 
be  earned  and  the  probation  officer  is  allowed  to  exercise  more 
discretion  as  to  the  needs  of  the  individual  case. 

SPECIAL  METHODS  OF  SUPERVISION  BY  PROBATION  OFFICERS 

From  all  that  goes  before,  it  seems  clear  that  the  performing 
of  a  great  variety  of  constructive  services  adapted  to  the  needs  of 
each  individual  is  a  most  essential  part  of  probation  supervision. 
Many  of  the  services  commonly  rendered  by  probation  officers 
have  already  been  referred  to.  In  addition,  the  following  are 
examples  of  special  help  given : 

Finding  new  living  quarters  for  the  family ; 

Sending  probationer  to  the  country; 

Securing  homes ; 

Arranging  for  loans; 

Teaching  mothers  how  to  care  for  their  children; 

Securing  credit  from  landlords; 

Securing  legal  advice; 

Helping  probationers  save  money;  showing  them  how  to 
plan  meals;  how  to  buy;  accompanying  them  while  shop- 
ping; 


42 

Taking  them  to  places  of  amusement  and  libraries; 
Finding  better  boarding  places;   guaranteeing  payment   of 

board ; 

Securing  salary  increases; 
Giving  rides  in  automobile  (children)  ; 
Placing  girls  in  trade  schools  for  special  training ; 
Having  boards  of  health  improve  sanitary  conditions; 
Giving  instruction  in  shorthand  and  typewriting; 
Giving  personal  instructions  to  probationers  preparing  for 

examination. 

As  this  report  deals  only -with  the  supervision  of  probationers, 
no  mention  is  made  of  the  many  and  varied  services  performed  by 
probation  officers  in  cases  investigated  or  taken  under  unofficial 
supervision  but  not  placed  on  probation.  Much  of  this  work  is  an 
integral  part  of  the  probation  officers'  daily  duties,  though 
assumed  voluntarily  and  without  extra  compensation.  Through 
such  methods  probation  officers  often  keep  persons  out  of  court 
thus  accomplishing  many  of  the  results  of  probation  without  any 
stigma  of  arrest  or  notoriety. 

Probation  officers  also  do  a  very  valuable  service  in  assisting 
probationers  after  they  are  discharged  from  probation.  By  this 
volunteer  service  the  treatment  of  cases  is  continued  and  made 
more  effective. 

PART  III.— PROBATION  METHODS  IN  OTHER  STATES 

The  data  collected  concerning  methods  of  probation  supervision 
in  states  other  than  New  York  consists  of  the  following: 

1.  Information  secured  through  a  written  questionnaire  con- 
taining  fourteen   questions   covering   the   important   methods   of 
supervision;  fifty  complete  schedules  were  received  covering  the 
work  in  as  many  courts  or  groups  of  courts.     Among  these  prac- 
tically all  the  large  cities  in  the  country  are  represented  as  well  as 
some  smaller  places. 

2.  Personal   investigations   by   the   Secretary   of  the  methods 
employed  in  sixteen  courts  located  in  the  cities  of  Chicago,  Phila- 
delphia,   St.    Louis,    Boston,    Cambridge   and   Worcester,   Mass., 
Minneapolis  and  St.  Paul  and  Kansas  City.     The  investigation 


43 

comprised  interviews   with  probation  officers,   judges   and  other 
persons,  inspection  of  records  and  personal  observations. 

The  data  collected  from  the  above  sources  covers  the  wrork  of 
probation  officers  in  fifty-nine  separate  courts  or  groups  of  courts 
located  in  practically  all  the  large  cities  of  the  country  outside 
of  New  York  State,  and  covers  also  the  work  of  county  and  dis- 
trict offices  in  many  small  towns  and  rural  districts.  In  the 
study  are  included  twenty-five  courts  handling  children  only, 
sixteen  handling  adults  only,  and  eighteen  courts  handling  both 
juveniles  and  adults.  These  courts  are  located  in  twenty-six  dif- 
ferent states.  Although  the  schedules  sent  out  were  necessarily 
brief  and  it  was  not  possible  to  spend  a  large  amount  of  time  in 
any  of  the  investigations,  a  fairly  accurate  analysis  of  the  expe- 
rience of  probation  officers  in  various  parts  of  the  country  in 
regard  to  the  principal  method  of  supervising  probationers  is 
made  possible. 

VISITS  BY  PROBATION   OFFICERS 

Visits  to  the  homes  of  probationers  are  generally  recognized 
as  the  most  important  feature  of  probation  supervision.  How- 
ever, judging  from  the  replies  received  from  probation  officers  all 
over  the  country  and  from  the  personal  investigations  made,  there 
is  little  consistency  in  the  rules  or  methods  of  various  offices  in 
this  respect.  A  great  many  officers  do  not  live  up  to  the  standards 
which  they  themselves  set.  In  the  courts  dealing  with  children, 
home  visits  are  generally  more  frequent  and  regular  than  in  the 
adult  courts.  A  great  many  officers,  especially  in  the  large  city 
courts  dealing  with  adults,  state  that  they  are  utterly  unable  to 
visit  their  cases  as  frequently  as  they  should  because  too  many 
cases  are  placed  under  their  supervision. 

Pour  courts  reported  making  visits  to  the  homes  of  probationers 
once  a  week.  In  sixteen  courts,  the  standard  for  visits  is  once  a 
month.  Several  offices  reported  daily  visits  in  new  cases,  others 
being  visited  weekly,  monthly  or  not  at  all.  One  officer  states 
that  the  homes  of  some  probationers  are  visited  once  a  week,  but 
the  majority  are  seldom  visited.  Another  says:  "  Cases  are 
visited  only  when  necessary  "  ;  another  says :  "  Visiting  depends 
011  circumstances  and  the  number  of  cases."  One  officer  states 
that  he  visits  the  homes  of  probationers  "  once  or  twice  a  year  " ; 


44 

several  officers  say  that  they  visit  in  general  only  when  com- 
plaints are  received.  One  officer  states  that  it  is  impossible  to 
visit  homes  except  on  request  of  the  court,  due  to  the  large  terri- 
tory covered.  Several  officers  state  that  when  in  their  judgment 
probationers  are  doing  well,  no  visits  are  made;  that  visits  are 
made  because  of  complaints,  failure  to  report,  or  when  it  is 
believed  that  the  probationer  is  going  wrong.  One  chief  probation 
officer  says :  "  Owing  to  no  help  and  the  number  of  cases  handled, 
I  have  not  been  able  to  visit  homes  to  any  extent ;  I  believe  a  visit 
to  the  home  once  a  month  would  be  a  benefit  in  some  cases." 
Many  courts  report  that  owing  to  an  inadequate  number  of  officers, 
visits  were  being  neglected.  For  instance,  one  large  city  office 
handling  a  thousand  adult  probationers,  mostly  convicted  of  fel- 
onies, has  only  a  chief  probation  officer  and  two  assistants  to  carry 
on  all  of  the  routine  office  work  and  supervise  the  probationers. 
One  officer  in  adult  cases  believes  that  he  can  keep  informed  in 
regard  to  his  cases  without  much  visiting.  He  professes  to  believe 
that  more  harm  than  good  may  be  done  to  probationers  by  frequent 
visiting. 

Replies  received  from  many  officers  show  that  constructive  plans 
are  worked  out  in  connection  with  home  visits.  The  officers 
endeavor  to  go  as  friendly  visitors  and  seek  the  cooperation  of  all 
members  of  the  family.  In.  the  Philadelphia  Municipal  Court, 
Juvenile  Division,  .the  officers  report  that  they  attempt  to  cover 
the  following  when  visiting  the  family  of  a  child: 

(1)  To  advise  the  mother  regarding  the  care  of  her  home, 
especially  as  to  the  proper  buying  and  preparation  of  food ; 

(2)  To  supervise  the  family's  health,   especially  as  to  eyes, 
throat  and  dental  condition  of  the  children;  to  advise  regarding 
bathing,  fresh  air,   sleeping  arrangements,   and  proper  kind  of 
work,  urging  institutional  care  for  feeble-minded  children,  insane, 
active  tubercular,  or  syphilitic; 

(3)  To  see  that  all  children  of  school  age  attend  school  regu- 
larly and  when  children  reach  working  age  to  aid  them  in  securing 
advantageous  work ; 

(4)  To  interest  relatives,  church,  settlement  clubs  and  recrea- 
tional centers; 

(5)  To  give  special  attention  to  any  abnormal  or  misunder- 
stood children  in  the  family ; 


45 

(6)  If  a  family  support  order  is  standing,  to  see  that  it  is  paid 
regularly. 

More  or  less  of  the  same  sort  of  work  is  done  in  the  courts  of 
other  cities  and  should  be  carried  out  in  visiting  the  homes  of 
adult  as  well  as  juvenile  probationers. 

Probation  officers  report  securing  valuable  information  through 
home  visits  which  they  would  not  otherwise  have  obtained  regard- 
ing the  character,  habits  and  condition  of  the  probationer  and  the 
family  and  neighborhood  conditions.  Many  officers  reported 
securing  the  friendly  cooperation  of  the  probationer's  family  by 
these  visits.  Parents  are  made  to  understand  their  responsibili- 
ties; domestic  relations  problems  are  adjusted;  home  conditions 
are  improved ;  delinquency  and  neglect  in  other  members  of  the 
family  are  prevented  and  probationers  are  made  to  change  their 
habits  and  conduct. 

REPORTING  BY  PROBATIONERS 

From  the  written  replies  received,  it  appears  that  forty-eight 
out  of  the  fifty  offices  heard  from  require  regular  reporting  by 
their  probationers  in  most  cases.  The  two  courts  heard  from 
which  have  no  reporting  system  are  the  Seattle  Juvenile  Court 
and  the  Louisville  Juvenile  Court. 

Of  the  fourteen  courts  personally  investigated,  eleven  have 
regular  reporting.  The  three  which  do  not  are  the  Boston  Munic- 
ipal Court,  the  Boston  Superior  Court  and  the  Chicago  Juvenile 
Court. 

The  above  classification  is  an  approximate  one.  Of  the  courts 
included  among  those  which  have  regular  reporting,  a  number 
allow  many  exceptions  and  some  state  that  they  have  no  general 
rule  on  the  subjeet,  but  use  reporting  according  to  individual 
needs.  Among  these  may  be  mentioned  the  following: 

In  the  District  of  Columbia  Juvenile  Court,  children  under 
fourteen,  with  very  few  exceptions,  are  not  required  to  report ;  the 
officers  endeavor  to  visit  them  more  frequently  instead.  Working 
children  over  fourteen  years  of  age  report  regularly,  the  frequency 
of  reporting  being  determined  by  the  probation  officer. 

In  the  Los  Angeles  Juvenile  Court,  cases  are  treated  "  accord- 
ing to  need."  Young  children,  children  011  probation  for  trivial 
offenses  and  children  whom  the  officers  do  not  wish  to  come  to 
the  downtown  office  are  not  required  to  report. 


46 

In  the  Minneapolis  Municipal  Courts,  men  with  families  are 
usually  not  required  to  report.  Their  wives  often  report  for 
them. 

Among  the  courts  referred  to  above  as  not  requiring  reporting, 
only  the  Boston  Municipal  Court  and  the  Boston  Superior  Court 
have  done  away  with  the  system  entirely.  The  three  juvenile 
courts  cited,  namely,  Chicago,  Seattle,  and  Louisville,  all  have 
reporting  by  children  in  some  instances,  but  not  as  a  general 
rule. 

In  the  Chicago  Juvenile  Court,  the  matter  of  reporting  is  left 
largely  to  the  individual  officer,  but  the  policy  of  the  department 
has  been  to  discourage  it.  Most  of  the  officers  have  abandoned 
reporting  except  in  special  instances.  One  of  the  reasons  given 
was  the  manifest  evil  of  group  reporting.  A  few  of  the  officers 
dealing  with  delinquent  boys  still  maintain  regular  reporting, 
using  Settlement  houses  in  their  districts.  The  only  rule  enforced 
is  that  all  probationers  shall  be  seen  by  their  probation  officers 
at  least  once  a  month.  Girls  over  twelve  years  of  age,  who  have 
been  placed  out  in  family  homes,  meet  their  probation  officers 
once  or  twice  a  month  at  designated  places  outside  the  court  house. 
It  is  found  that  the  girls  are  more  inclined  to  tell  the  officer  if 
things  are  not  going  well  than  if  seen  only  in  their  foster  homes. 

In  Seattle,  regular  visits  by  children  to  their  officers  are 
encouraged,  but  are  not  compulsory.  Chief  Probation  Officer 
Lilburn  Merrill  states :  "  Children  who  manifest  a  keen  friendli- 
ness toward  members  of  the  staff  are  encouraged  to  visit  at  the 
probation  office  on  regular  intervals.  Among  working  boys  the 
visits  are  usually  limited  to  one  evening  a  week.  School  boys 
call  Saturday  mornings,  or  at  other  times  by  appointment.  This 
office  visitation  is  usually  limited  to  children  whose  parents 
assure  us  that  the  youngsters  anticipate  the  visit  with  a  friendly 
motive." 

The  Louisville  Juvenile  Court  states  that  reporting  is  used  only 
when  the  officers  have  too  many  cases  to  visit  frequently.  Truants 
and  girls  working  out  in  families  are  usually  required  to  report. 

In  most  of  the  courts  where  reporting  has  been  abandoned  to  a 
greater  or  less  extent  there  does  not  appear  to  be  more  frequent 
visiting  of  probationers  than  in  courts  where  regular  reporting  is 


47 

maintained.  In  most  of  these,  there  appears  to  be  no  substitute 
provided  to  take  the  place  of  reporting  as  a  means  of  supervision. 

In  the  Boston  Municipal  Court,  where  there  is  no  reporting  as 
n  rule,  the  field  probation  officers  at  the  time  of  this  investigation 
averaged  more  than  two  hundred  probationers  apiece.  The  rule 
of  this  office  is  that  homes  of  probationers  b©  visited  once  a  month. 
On  account  of  the  large  number  of  probationers  under  supervision 
visits  are  brief  and  the  probationer  is  generally  not  seen. 

In  the  Boston  Superior  Court,  where  there  is  no  reporting,  the 
rule  is  that  probationers  shall  be  visited  monthly,  but  this  is  not 
always  possible  on  account  of  the  large  number  of  cases  under  each 
officer. 

It  appears  that  a  large  majority  of  the  probation  officers 
throughout  the  country  maintain  a  regular  system  of  reports. 
Fifty-four  out  of  fifty-nine  separate  courts  covered  by  this  study 
had  reporting.  Of  these,  twenty-four  require  weekly  reports  as  a 
general  rule ;  twelve  require  weekly,  bi-weekly  or  monthly  reports, 
according  to  the  case ;  five  reported  bi-weekly  reports ;  six,  monthly 
reports;  sevm  officers  had  no  general  rule.  In  Detroit,  the  pro- 
bation officer  requires  adults  to  report  daily  if  not  working.  In 
the  San  Francisco  Juvenile  Court,  boys  report  weekly  at  first,  then 
monthly,  and  later  are  excused  from  reporting ;  girls  do  not  report, 
except  in  special  cases.  In  the  San  Francisco  adult  probation 
office,  weekly  reporting  is  the  rule.  In  the  Philadelphia  Juvenile 
Court,  most  delinquent  children  are  required  to  report  weekly  to 
district  offices.  When  good  behavior  warrants,  this  is  changed  to 
once  a  month. 

Numerous  exceptions  to  rules  requiring  reporting  are  made. 
The  following  are  among  the  most  common:  Six  courts  excuse 
young  children  from  reporting;  four  courts  do  not  require  girls 
to  report ;  probationers  living  outside  the  city  are  usually  allowed 
to  report  by  letter.  Other  exceptions  made  are  for  mothers  of 
families;  in  cases  of  extreme  poverty  where  carfare  would  be 
required ;  neglected  children ;  in  case  of  illness ;  where  the  offense 
committed  was  trivial. 

Many  officers  require  less  frequent  reports  in  certain  cases, 
especially  for  good  behavior.  Night  workers  are  usually  allowed 
to  report  in  the  daytime.  Two  officers  allow  some  other  member 


48 

of  the  family  to  report  for  a  probationer  who  is  working.     One 
officer  stated  that  he  did  not  allow  reports  over  the  telephone. 

The  majority  of  the  officers  receive  their  probationers  at  the 
probation  office  which  is  usually  located  in  the  same  building  as 
the  court.  Several  officers  had  probationers  report  at  their  homes ; 
a  number  used  schools,  settlement  houses,  or  the  offices  of  private 
charitable  organizations.  In  the  larger  cities,  district  offices  are 
used.  Better  results  follow  where  reporting  is  at  district  offices 
rather  than  in  or  in  connection  with  the  court  building. 

Most  officers  see  their  own  cases  alone.  However,  there  are 
exceptions,  especially  where  a  large  number  are  on  probation  with 
one  officer.  In  several  courts  certain  probationers  are  required 
to  report  to  police  officers.  In  the  St.  Paul  probation  office  which 
serves  for  the  juvenile,  municipal  and  district  courts,  all  proba- 
tioners report  to  the  chief  probation  officer  or  his  deputy  and  not 
to  the  individual  officers.  In  the  Chicago  Municipal  Court,  a 
clerk  attached  to  the  probation  office  frequently  receives  proba- 
tioners' reports  in  the  absence  of  the  probation  officer  having  the 
cases  in  charge.  The  substance  of  the  report  is  taken  down  in 
duplicate,  one  copy  of  which  is  handed  to  the  officer.  J^oiie  of 
these  methods  is  felt  to  be  a  satisfactory  substitute  for  personal 
reports  to  the  probation  officer  in  charge  of  the  case. 

In  certain  of  the  larger  juvenile  courts,  notably  Philadelphia, 
women  officers  supervise  and  receive  reports  from  boys  on  pro- 
bation. In  adult  courts,  men  almost  invariably  are  supervised  by 
men  officers.  School  children  usually  report  in  the  daytime,  work- 
ing boys  and  men  in  the  evening.  The  assembling  of  probationers 
is  generally  regarded  as  an  evil  to  be  avoided  as  much  as  possible. 
Twenty^six  courts  report  no  assembling;  the  others  have  more  or 
less  of  it.  In  some  courts  it  is  avoided  to  a  large  extent  by  the 
use  of  district  offices,  probationers  coming  on  different  days  or  in 
shifts.  On  the  other  hand,  in  some  courts  reports  are  received  in 
one  large  room,  necessitating  the  assembling  of  large  groups 
of  probationers. 

In  the  Boston  Juvenile  Court,  reporting  is  decentralized,  sev- 
eral settlement  houses  or  other  offices  throughout  the  city  being 
used.  Daytime  reports,  are  received  at  the  court.  At  the  settle- 
ment houses  where  most  of  the  boys  report,  the  probation  officer 


49 

has  an  assistant  who  keeps  them  under  supervision  while  awaiting 
to  report.  The  probation  officers  believe  that  regular  reporting 
has  a  good  influence  on  boys  and  is  indispensable. 

In  the  St.  Louis  Juvenile  Court,  reporting  is  at  the  central 
office.  Probation  officers  receive  children  on  different  nights, 
each  having  a  separate  room.  Boys  are  instructed  to  come  at  dif- 
ferent hours.  Girls  in  general  do  not  report. 

In  the  Minneapolis  Juvenile  Court,  the  probation  officers  state 
that  most  of  the  assembling  has  been  avoided  by  having  boys  report 
at  settlement  houses  or  other  offices  in  each  district  throughout  the 
city.  The  girls  do  not  report. 

Probation  officers  report  that  they  receive  information  from 
probationers  regarding  school  attendance,  work,  wages  and  con- 
duct. Most  of  the  officers  endeavor  to  establish  friendly  personal 
relations.  Some  interesting  opinions  regarding  the  results 
obtained  from  reporting  are  given.  The  majority  of  the  officers 
state  that  good  results  are  obtained,  contact  is  established  and  a 
better  acquaintance  and  understanding  follow.  One  officer  states 
that  he  finds  reporting  useful  in  teaching  obedience  and  discip- 
line. Another,  that  "  it  acts  as  a  stimulus,"  another  "  gives  an 
opportunity  to  study  probationers." 

Seventeen  officers  state  that  bad  results  follow  reporting  when 
statements  made  by  probationers  are  not  verified  by  visits ;  others 
say  that  bad  results  follow  if  boys  and  girls  are  allowed  to  report 
in  groups,  '^when  there  is  too  much  of  the  court  and  not  enough 
of  the  friend ;  "  "  when  costs  have  to  be  collected  by  the  pro- 
bation officers ;  "  "  when  reporting  is  more  or  less  perfunctory ;  " 
"  when  untruths  are  told  and  efforts  are  not  made  to  verify 
statements."  Other  probation  officers  thought  that  reporting  was 
bad  for  girls  and  sensitive  children. 

Twenty-seven  offices  require  written  reports  from  "  out-of-town 
cases,"  or  when  personal  reporting  is  otherwise  impossible.  Many 
require  written  reports  from  school  children  in  regard  to  attend- 
ance and  conduct.  They  must  be  signed  by  the  teacher  and 
sometimes  by  the  parent.  Special  parents'  reports  are  used  in 
some  of  the  juvenile  courts  for  incorrigible  children.  The  bring- 
ing of  reporting  cards  to  be  marked  by  the  probation  officer  is 
common  in  most  of  the  probation  offices.  Some  offices,  for 


50 

example,  St.  Paul,  require  all  probationers  reporting  to  fill  out  a 
written  blank.  Many  officers  state  that  written  reports  alone  are 
unsatisfactory  and  should  be  used  only  when  personal  reporting 
is  impossible. 

OTHER  FACTORS  IN  SUPERVISION 

EMPLOYMENT 

Probation  officers  in  many  sections  of  the  country  lay  special 
stress  on  assisting  probationers  to  get  suitable  employment.  A 
few  officers  who  handle  adults,  however,  contend  that  it  has 
greater  educational  effect  to  let  the  probationer  get  his  own 
employment. 

Eight  courts  maintain  employment  bureaus  in  charge  of  special 
officers;  some  of  these  do  more  or  less  vocational  guidance  work. 
In  the  Chicago  adult  probation  office,  one  probation  officer  gives 
his  entire  time  to  securing  employment  for  probationers.  A  card 
catalog,  containing  a  large  number  of  -names  of  employers  who 
have  consented  to  employ  probationers,  is  kept.  All  probationers 
are  helped  to  get  jobs  if  needed  and  they  are  followed  up  to  see 
if  they  keep  employed. 

In  the  Court  of  Domestic  Relations  of  Cincinnati,  a  business 
men's  organization  aids  probation  officers  in  finding  employment 
for  probationers.  This  organization  has  secured  a  list  of  men 
willing  to  employ  boys  who  are  on  probation. 

In  the  Juvenile  Court  of  San  Francisco  employment  is  secured 
"  by  running  ads  in  daily  papers,  through  cooperation  of  the 
Juvenile  Protective  Association,  through  employment  bureaus 
and  social  agencies,  and  through  the  efforts  of  two  probation 
officers,  a  man  and  a  woman,  whose  largest  responsibility  is  to 
secure  employment  for  all  of  the  working  probationers  of  the 
court. " 

COOPERATION 

The  offices  heard  from  or  visited  generally  recognize  that  effec- 
tive supervision  cannot  be  maintained  without  the  cooperation  of 
many  agencies,  particularly  schools  in  children's  cases,  charitable 
agencies  and  physicians.  Good  cooperation  with  these  agencies 
was  reported  from  many  courts.  Juvenile  courts  especially  report 
much  valuable  assistance  from  public  and  private  agencies  in 
their  communities.  One  officer,  however,  believes  that  teachers 


51 

are  apt  to  be  too  severe  and  repel  probationers,  and  that  "  as  a 
rule  there  is  too  much  red-tape  with  charitable  organizations.'7 

The  chief  probation  officer  of  the  Seattle  Juvenile  Court,  report- 
ing on  cooperation  with  schools  says:  "A  close,  fraternal  coopera- 
tion is  encouraged  by  the  officials  of  the  court  with  school  authori- 
ties. Social  statements  and  recommendations  are  uniformly 
solicited  from  teachers  and  principals  regarding  their  pupils  who 
are  called  into  court.  The  school  medical  clinic  provides  surgical 
and  medical  treatment  with  promptness  and  efficiency  at  our 
request.  School  attendance  officers  handle  many  disciplinary  cases 
by  school  probationary  supervision,  and  cases  brought  by  them 
into  court  usualy  require  institutional  treatment.'7 

The  chief  probation  officer  of  the  San  Francisco  Juvenile  Court 
says :  "  We  cooperate  with  the  School  Department  in  matters 
of  truancy  to  prevent  arrests  or  appearance  before  the  court  on 
petition,  handling  these  matters  in  the  office  and  in  about  90  per 
cent  of  the  cases  remedying  the  situation  without  need  of  formal 
court  order.77 

The  chief  probation  officer  of  the  Juvenile  Court  of  the  District 
of  Columbia  says :  "  School  authorities  cooperate  in  every  way 
possible,  the  main  thing  being  to  report  to  us  before  ten  o'clock 
every  day  the  number  of  probationers  out  of  school.  A  number  of 
physicians  have  voluntarily  made  physical  examinations  for  us 
for  the  pasj:  four  years.  Charitable,  organizations  cooperate  fully. 
We  use  the  Confidential  Exchange  in  every  case.77 

Most  juvenile  courts  and  some  adult  courts  register  with  a  con- 
fidential exchange  usually  maintained  by  a  charitable  society. 

Good  cooperation  with  the  police  is  reported  from  some  courts 
handling  adults.  Police-women  where  they  exist  are  of  great 
assistance.  From  Fresno  County,  California,  the  county  proba- 
tion officer  reports  having  enlisted  "  the  sympathy  of  the  Police 
Commissioners  and  Chief,  real  help  is  secured  in  '  silent  super- 
vision '  of  adult  probationers ;  it  is  risky  if  the  department  is  not 
in  full  sympathy." 

Many  officers,  especially  in  juvenile  courts,  report  receiving 
excellent  assistance  from  physicians.  Physicians  connected  with 
the  schools,  health  departments,  and  those  in  hospitals  and  private 
practice  are  used.  In  Minneapolis,  the  services  of  school  psycholo- 


52 

gists  are  used;  hospitals  cooperate;  the  services  of  a  free  dental 
clinic  are  given ;  a  local  optician  makes  examinations  free  of 
charge  and  provides  glasses  at  a  minimum  cost. 

Many  courts  are  alive  to  the  importance  of  physical  and  mental 
diagnosis.  The  chief  probation  officer  of  the  Louisville  Juvenile 
Court  reports :  "  Two  physicians,  a  man  and  a  woman,  are 
present  in  the  probation  offices  for  an  hour  before  court  convenes. 
A  visiting  nurse  who  is  a  paid  probation  officer  is  present  when  the 
examinations  are  made.  The  nurse  follows  up  cases  requiring 
medical  attention,  securing  for  them  the  best  service  from  public 
hospitals  and  clinics.  Frequently,  if  it  is  desirable,  private  physi- 
cians and  hospitals  give  assistance." 

The  chief  probation  officer  of  the  Juvenile  Court  of  San  Fran- 
cisco writes:  "All  the  departments  of  the  court  work  on  the 
theory  that  physical  well-being  as  well  as  '  keep  busy '  is  essential 
to  successful  probation.  Given  a  normal  mentality  our  first  effort 
is  to  cure  any  physical  defects  existing.  Our  new  building  con- 
tains its  own  clinic  and  hospital  departments  which  are  directed 
by  regular  physicians  and  psychologists  from  the  University  of 
California  Hospital." 

The  county  probation  office  of  Hudson  County,  New  Jersey, 
which  handles  both  adults  and  juveniles  has  twro  probation  officers 
who  are  trained  nurses.  These  women  advise  mothers  in  regard 
to  the  care  of  their  children  and  help  them  to  secure  proper  medi- 
cal aid. 

Other  cooperating  agencies  especially  mentioned  are  Big 
Brother  organizations  and  the  Boy  Scouts.  Local  Big  Brother 
organizations  are  used  extensively  by  the  juvenile  courts.  Good 
results  are  reported  when  the  work  of  the  Big  Brothers  is  kept 
under  supervision  by  the  paid  officers.  A  probation  officer  of  the 
Denver  Juvenile  Court  reports  good  results  from  the  cooperation 
of  Big  Brothers,  but  finds  it  better  to  have  all  probationers  placed 
under  the  direct  supervision  of  the  court,  thus  using  the  Big 
Brothers  to  supplement  the  work  of  paid  officers. 

Volunteer  probation  officers  are  used  in  many  courts  especially 
in  children's  cases,  but  are  not  relied  upon  to  anything  like  the 
same  extent  that  they  were  in  the  early  history  of  the  movement. 
They  are  now  used  principally  to  supplement  the  efforts  of  an 


53 

inadequate,  paid  probation  staff.  One  chief  probation  officer  has 
abandoned  the  use  of  volunteers  of  all  kinds  and  finds  that  "  the 
only  supervision  that  can  be  relied  on  is  that  which  is  given  by  the 
paid  probation  officer."  In  the  Adult  Criminal  Courts  of  Balti- 
more, a  special  department  of  volunteer  service  is  maintained. 
Volunteers  are  used  in  the  Milwaukee  Juvenile  Court  which 
reports  that  good  results  are  obtained  when  the  volunteers  work 
under  the  direct  supervision  of  paid  officers.  Trained  volunteers 
or  friendly  visitors  do  most  of  the  follow-up  work  in  connection 
with  the  probation  cases.  In  the  St.  Paul  Juvenile  Court,  volun- 
teer officers  are  relied  upon  to  furnish  most  of  the  supervision  of 
children  on  probation.  The  system  has  not  been  found  altogether 
satisfactory. 

The  Louisville  Juvenile  Court  uses  the  services  of  volunteers 
connected  with  the  Children's  Protective  Association.  This 
>i  utilization  maintains  its  own  office,  but  works  in  close  coopera- 
tion with  the  probation  officers  of  the  court. 

Several  courts  report  good  results  in  boys'  cases  by  using  the 
Boy  Scout  organization. 

The  probation  officers  in  the  Kansas  City  Juvenile  Court  make 
use  of  a  Boys'  Hotel.  Boys  on  probation,  where  the  home  environ- 
ment is  not  good,  are  placed  in  this  hotel.  The  boys  are  closely 
supervised  by  a  competent  man  and  are  required  either  to  work 
or  go  to  school.  The  hotel  has  a  night  school  for  working  boys 
and  is  located  in  the  best  residential  section  of  the  city. 

THE  RELATION  OF  JUDGES  TO  SUPERVISION 

The  relations  of  judges  to  probationers  differs  greatly  in  vari- 
ous courts.  In  many  courts  the  entire  care  of  probationers  is  in 
the  hands  of  the  probation  officers.  In  the  Chicago  Juvenile 
Court,  except  in  cases  returned  to  court  for  commitment,  the 
probation  officers  determine  the  length  of  the  probation  period 
and  make  the  final  discharge.  The  same  is  true  in  the  Phila- 
delphia Municipal  Court. 

In  the  Boston  Juvenile  Court  probationers  are  discharged  by 
the  judge.  In  the  Denver  Juvenile  Court  boys  report  every  other 
Saturday  morning  to  the  judge. 


PAKT  IV.— CONCLUSIONS  AND  RECOMMENDATIONS 

On  the  basis  of  the  facts  brought  out  in  this  study,  the  Com- 
mittee offers  the  following  conclusions  and  recommendations  as  to 
the  relative  values  of  the  various  methods  of  supervision.  The 
attempt  is  here  made  to  set  forth  a  rational  program  for  super- 
vising probationers. 

As  was  stated  at  the  start,  the  fact  must  not  be  lost  sight  of 
that  probation  is  individual  treatment,  that  it  is  difficult  to  make 
general  rules.  The  varying  situations  which  confront  probation 
officers  in  their  work  must  be  taken  into  account.  An  ideal  system 
cannot  be  carried  out  if  probation  officers  do  not  receive  proper 
support  and  cooperation  from  their  judges  or  from  others  with 
whom  they  must  work;  if  they  are  not  given  proper  offices,  equip- 
ment, expense  money,  and  adequate  salaries;  and  if  an  insufficient 
number  of  officers  is  provided.  This  last  condition  seems  to  be 
the  rule  rather  than  the  exception  throughout  the  country. 

Probation  has  met  with  approval  and  success  and  has  been 
increasingly  used  in  dealing  with  court  cases  without  a  corres- 
ponding increase  in  the  staff  of  workers.  Probation  officers  in 
many  courts  are  each  attempting  to  supervise  from  one  hundred  to 
four  hundred  probationers  in  addition  to  special  work.  The 
situation  is  especially  serious  in  the  courts  dealing  with  ad  silt 
cases  in  the  larger  cities;  these  are  the  courts  which  handle  non- 
support  and  other  family  problems,  and  the  most  difficult  criminal 
cases.  The  children's  courts,  however,  and  courts  in  smellier  places 
are  suffering  more  or  less  from  the  same  evil  of  over-loaded  pro- 
bation staffs.  The  situation  is  full  of  menace  to  the  successful 
development  of  the  probation  system.  Facts  must  be  faced  and 
serious  efforts  put  forth  in  every  community  where  this  condition 
exists  to  secure  an  adequate  number  of  officers. 

As  this  study  is  confined  to  the  subject  of  methods  of  super- 
vising persons  upon  probation,  it  is  possible  to  refer  but  briefly 
to  other  important  duties  of  probation  officers  which  are  related 
to  the  supervision  of  probationers.  Preliminary  investigation  is 
one  of  these.  Thorough  and  satisfactory  probation  work  is  diiii- 
cult  if  not  impossible  without  a  proper  investigation  of  the  facts 
and  circumstances  in  each  case  at  the  start.  This  should  be  made 


55 

before  a  person  is  placed  upon  probation.  There  is  a  certain 
advantage  in  having  the  investigation  made  by  the  officer  who 
subsequently  supervises  the  probationer,  but  in  a  large  probation 
staff  this  is  not  always  practicable.  Too  great  emphasis  cannot 
be  placed  upon  the  importance  of  having  the  salient  facts  regard- 
ing the  probationer,  his  family,  his  past  history,  and  his  present 
environment,  in  the  hands  of  the  probation  officer  when  he  begins 
his  supervisory  work. 

The  making  of  investigations  preliminary  to  court  action  has  a 
very  important  bearing  upon  the  selection  of  proper  persons  for 
probation,  which  is  a  prerequisite  to  successful  work  by  the  pro- 
bation officer.  If  persons  are  placed  on  probation  who  are  hard- 
ened offenders  or  who  for  other  reasons  need  institutional  treat- 
ment and  who  will  not  or  cannot  cooperate  with  the  probation 
officer  in  his  efforts  to  help  them,  no  methods  can  be  devised  which 
will  make  the  probation  plan  successful.  The  placing  of  unfit 
persons  on  probation  can  usually  be  avoided  if  the  probation 
officer  is  given  an  opportunity  to  investigate  and  recommend  to 
the  judge.  If,  however,  an  investigation  cannot  be  made  in 
advance  of  the  placing  of  a  person  on  probation,  it  is  important 
that  the  officer  make  a  thorough  investigation  as  soon  as  possible 
after  he  receives  the  probationer. 

Investigation  reports  to  a  judge  should  be  treated  as  confi- 
dential communications  and  should  not  be  made  public.  Placing 
a  probation  officer  on  the  witness  stand  in  the  trial  of  a  person 
who  may  be  placed  under  his  supervision  is  open  to  serious 
criticism. 

Another  important  factor  in  probation  work  Avhich  has  a  direct, 
bearing  on  successful  supervision  is  the  keeping  of  complete  work- 
able case  records.  The  important  facts  secured  in  the  preliminary 
investigation  should  be  permanently  recorded  and  filed  for  con- 
venient reference  while  dealing  with  the  case.  All  subsequent 
important  data  should  be  recorded  and  a  chronological  record  of 
reports,  visits  and  all  other  happenings  in  the  case  should  be 
entered  on  a  convenient  blank.  Everything  that  occurs  in  the 
supervision  of  a  case,  including  the  dates  of  all  reports  and  visits 
and  all  important  information  obtained,  should  be  entered  in  the 
field  note-book  or  upon  cards  to  be  transferred  to  the  permanent 
case  history  blanks.  All  records  and  blanks  used  in  supervising  a 


56 

case  should  be  filed  in  a  folder  or  envelope  for  convenient  refer- 
ence. A  proper  system  of  receipts  and  ledger  accounts  should  be 
used  for  all  financial  transactions.  The  importance  of  complete 
records  in  the  proper  supervision  of  cases  is  often  overlooked  by 
probation  officers. 

The  proper  supervision  of  the  work  of  the  individual  probation 
officers  by  a  chief  probation  officer  and  also  by  the  judge  of  the 
court  is  another  most  important  matter  in  developing  a  proper 
system  of  case  supervision.  Regular  reports  to  the  chief  probation 
officer  or  the  court  are  necessary.  Frequent  consultation  of  pro- 
bation officers  with  their  supervising  chiefs  regarding  troublesome 
probationers  and  the  various  details  of  their  work  is  most  essen- 
tial. The  cordial  cooperation  of  the  various  members  of  the  pro- 
bation staff  is  also  necessary.  Weekly  conferences  by  members 
of  the  staff  at  which  common  problems  and  difficult,  probation 
cases  are  discussed  are  desirable. 

Sufficiently  long  periods  of  probation  to  enable  a  probation  offi- 
cer to  work  out  constructive  plans  are  necessary.  Usually  one  year 
is  required  to  secure  effective  results.  The  period  necessary  to 
accomplish  the  best  results  depends,  however,  upon  the  circum- 
stances of  each  individual  case.  For  this  reason,  the  indeterminate 
period  of  probation  is  being  increasingly  used.  Under  this  system 
no  period  of  probation  is  fixed  in  advance  other  than  the  maximum 
provided  by  law.  The  probationer  earns  his  discharge  which  is 
determined  by  the  court  depending  upon  his  progress  and  gener- 
ally upon  the  recommendation  of  the  probation  officer.  This  plan 
is  recommended  for  all  courts. 

Another  essential  factor  of  any  successful  probation  system  is 
vigorous  enforcement  of  the  conditions  of  probation.  Complaints 
should  be  promptly  investigated;  violations  dealt  with  promptly. 
The  power  of  the  court  should  be  invoked  for  reprimand  and  for 
punishment  when  the  welfare  of  the  probationer  as  well  as  the 
protection  of  society  and  the  moral  effect  upon  other  probationers 
demand  this.  Probation  is  to  some  extent  a  sifting  process. 
Unfitness  for  probation  cannot  always  be  determined  at  the  start. 
The  officer  must  do  his  best  with  the  material  which  he  receives 
from  the  court,  but  as  soon  as  he  is  firmly  convinced  of  the  unfit- 
ness  of  the  probationer  for  further  probationary  treatment  ther? 
should  be  no  hesitancy  about  returning  the  case  to  court. 


57 

It  is  an  important  cliity  of  probation  officers  to  see  to  it  that 
everything  possible  is  done  to  secure  the  return  of  absconders  or 
those  who  seek  to  escape  supervision.  While  the  apprehension 
and  arrest  of  adults  in  these  cases  is  usually  performed  by  the 
police,  probation  officers  should  give  the  police  all  the  assistance 
possible.  Many  officers  delay,  too  long  in  following  up  such  cases 
and  too  readily  wash  their  hands  of  all  responsibility. 

The  number  of  probationers  which  an  officer  should  have  under 
his  supervision  at  one  time  is  an  important  consideration.  It 
depends  upon  a  number  of  factors:  The  class  of  probationers, 
the  distance  they  live  from  the  probation  office,  work  which  the 
officer  may  have  to  perform  in  addition  to  supervision,  and  other 
circumstances.  In  general,  officers  handling  children  are  given 
fewer  cases  to  supervise,  but  this  may  largely  be  due  to  the  fact 
that  adult  probation  has  not  been  developed  as  intensively  as 
juvenile  probation.  Many  adult  cases,  particularly  those  involv- 
ing domestic  relations,  require  as  much  attention  as  children's 
cases. 

The  probation  officers  of  New  York  State  by  unanimous  vote  at 
their  annual  State  Conference  in  1917,  recommended  as  a  stand- 
ard that  not  more  than  an  average  of  fifty  cases  should  be  under 
the  supervision  of  a  probation  officer  at  any  one  time,  assuming 
that  the  officer  is  giving  his  entire  time  to  the  supervision  of  these 
cases.  If  the  officer  also  makes  preliminary  investigations  or  has 
special  duties,  such  as  attendance  at  court,  clerical  or  preventive 
work,  the  number  of  cases  should  be  less  than  fifty.  It  is  recom- 
mended that  this  standard  be  adopted  generally  throughout  the 
country. 

Coming  to  actual  methods  in  the  supervision  of  cases,  the  recom- 
mendations which  follow  are  made  on  the  assumption  that  proba- 
tion officers  are  working  under  approximately  the  conditions  above 
described,  namely:  that  they  have  a  reasonable  number  of  prop- 
erly selected  probationers  and  that  they  are  able  to  give  them 
adequate  attention. 

x.     FIRST  INTERVIEW 

As  soon  as  possible  after  the  court  places  either  a  child  or  an 
adult  on  probation,  it  is  important  that  the  probation  officer 
should  see  the  probationer  entirely  alone  and  explain  carefully 
the  general  and  special  conditions  of  probation.  A  probation 


5S 

card  should  be  given  to  the  probationer  at  this  time  which  shall 
state  the  conditions  of  probation  and  serve  as  a  constant  reminder 
of  them. 

2.     FIRST  VISITS 

The  next  step  in  supervision  should  in  most  cases  be  a  visit  to 
the  probationer's  home  to  be  made  as  soon  as  possible  after  proba- 
tion begins.  This  should  be  followed  by  visits  to  other  places  to 
secure  as  much  additional  information  as  possible  and  to  get  in 
touch  with  all  who  may  cooperate. 

3.     PLAN  OF  PROBATION 

Following  the  preliminary  visits  the  probation  officer  should 
formulate  a  plan  of  probation.  This  should  include  a  plan  for 
supervision  and  contact  with  the  probationer,  suggestions  as  to 
the  probationer's  work,  recreation  and  mode  of  life.  These  are 
subject  to  modification  as  probation  progresses. 

4.     SUBSEQUENT  HOME  VISITS 

In  general  homes  or  places  of  residence  of  probationers  should 
be  visited  once  in  two  weeks ;  the  frequency  of  the  home  visit  must, 
however,  depend  to  some  extent  upon  the  circumstances  in  the 
individual  case.  When  special  efforts  are  being  made  to  recon- 
struct a  home,  as  in  certain  children's  and  domestic  relations 
cases,  or  when  for  other  reasons  especially  close  supervision  is 
desirable,  certain  homes  should  be  visited  once  a  week  or  even 
oftener.  If  the  probationer  is  believed  to  be  doing  badly  special 
visits  may  be  necessary. 

Less  frequent  visits  may  be  needed  when  probationers  are  doing 
exceptionally  well  and  for  other  reasons.  If  homes  of  proba- 
tioners are  located  at  a  distance  from  the  probation  office  or  are 
otherwise  inaccessible,  or  if  the  probation  officer  is  over-loaded 
with  cases  or  special  work,  the  proposed  standard  of  bi-weekly 
visits  must  necessarily  be  relaxed  in  selected  cases.  Occasionally 
a  probationer  should  not  be  visited  at  all.  The  regular  home  visit, 
however,  is  a  precaution  and  an  opportunity  which  should  not 
generally  be  omitted  even  if  the  probation  officer  believes  that 
there  is  no  information  that  he  can  secure  by  continued  visits, 
or  that  his  influence  is  not  needed  in  a  given  home.  It  is  the 
great  opportunity  of  the  probation  officer  to  learn  the  truth  about 


59 

the  probationer's  conduct,  to  gain  the  cooperation  of  those  who 
are  most  likely  to  be  sincerely  interested  in  his  welfare,  and  to 
strengthen  and  develop  the  good  influences  which  usually  center 
around  the  home. 

Visits  should  not  be  too  hurried.  The  results  sought  cannot  be 
obtained  in  that  way.  As  many  members  of  the  family  as  pos- 
sible should  be  seen  and  in  some  instances  the  mother,  father  or 
wife  of  the  probationer  should  be  seen  alone.  The  probationer, 
of  course,  should  be  seen  if  possible,  sometimes  alone  and  some- 
times together  with  his  family.  Facts  about  the  whole  family 
should  be  secured  as,  for  instance:  work,  wages,  health,  recrea- 
tions, hours,  habits,  home  conditions  and  neighborhood  conditions. 
Important  new  facts  should  be  noted  down  and  appear  upon  the 
cuxe  record.  The  officer  should  use  tact  in  obtaining  information, 
should  go  as  a  friendly  visitor,  and  should  endeavor  to  make  His 
visits  welcome.  Nowhere  does  the  personality  of  the  probation 
officer  count  more  than  in  a  home  visit. 

Visits  should  be  made,  if  possible,  when  those  members  of  the 
family  \vhom  it  is  most  important  to  see  are  most  likely  to  be  at 
home.  Visits  should  not  be  annuonced  in  advance,  though  in 
special  instances,  in  order  to  meet  the  probationer  or  some  member 
of  the  family  whom  it  is  otherwise  difficult  to  find,  an  appointment 
may  be  made.  Sometimes  it  is  important  to  see  the  probationer 
at  his  homeland  sometimes  it  is  more  important  to  see  his  mother, 
father  or  wife.  As  it  is  difficult  to  find  male  members  of  the 
family  at  home  in  the  daytime,  evening  visits  are  at  times  essen- 
tial. They  may  be  advisable  also  in  certain  cases  where  daytime 
visits  are  found  to  be  causing  injurious  neighborhood  gossip.  The 
officer  should  select  with  care  those  homes  where  evening  visits  are 
most  essential  and  should  spend,  if  possible,  one  evening  each  week 
in  making  them. 

E.     OTHER  VISITS 

Visits  to  other  places  than  the  home  are  necessary.  The  needs 
of  the  individual  and  the  attitude  of  the  persons  visited  must 
determine  the  frequency  of  these  visits.  Relatives  should  fre- 
quently be  visited  to  obtain  information  and  special  cooperation. 
Friends  and  acquaintances  should  be  visited  in  some  instances 


60 

for  the  same  reasons.  Neighbors  should  be  visited  only  if  neces- 
sary or  when  a  neighbor  is  also  a  friend.  Visits  to  neighbors 
should  be  made  with  great  care  not  to  injure  the  reputation  of  the 
probationer  or  his  family  or  start  injurious  gossip.  Boarding- 
house  keepers,  janitors  and  tradesmen  sometimes  give  valuable 
information.  Places  which  the  probationer  is  accustomed  to  fre- 
quent, where  friends  or  acquaintances  of  the  probationer  may  be 
seen,  often  repay  visits.  Employers  should  be  visited  when  they 
are  cooperating  or  know  the  probationer's  history.  They  should 
be  visited  occasionally  in  other  cases  if  this  can  be  done  without 
jeopardizing  the  probationer's  employment.  In  making  visits  to 
employers,  as  well  as  to  neighbors,  acquaintances  and  sometimes 
even  to  friends  and  relatives,  as  far  as  possible  information  con- 
cerning offenses  committed  or  the  relation  of  the  officer  to  the 
probationer  should  not  be  given. 

In  many  of  these  visits,  information  is  the  principal  object 
sought.  In  other  visits  special  cooperation  or  assistance  is  desired. 
Where  this  is  the  case,  it  is  important  to  arouse  interest  and  gain 
the  good-will  of  the  person  visited  by  a  most  tactful  and  friendly 
approach.  , 

6.     REPORTING      ' 

Except  in  special  instances,  every  probationer  should  be 
required  to  report  to  the  probation  officer  once  each  week,  if  pos- 
sible, at  least  for  the  first  six  months  of  probation.  Thereafter, 
selected  probationers  who  are  doing  well  and  whose  supervision 
can  safely  be  relaxed,  may  be  permitted  to  report  once  in  two 
weeks.  Sometimes,  where  the  term  of  probation  is  long,  reports 
may  be  allowed  once  in  three  weeks  toward  the  end  of  the  pro- 
bation period.  Certain  classes  of  probationers,  especially  children 
where  neglect  of  parents  rather  than  delinquency  prevails  and  per- 
sons who  for  physical  reasons  are  unable  to  report  may  not  be 
required  to  report  at  all.  On  the  other  hand,  some  probationers 
should  report  once  a  week  throughout  their  whole  probation 
period,  and  occasionally  where  special  discipline  or  supervision  is 
required  should  report  oftener. 

The  probationer's  residence  must  be  taken  into  consideration 
in  requiring  reports.  There  is,  of  course,  a  limit  to  the  distance 
which  a  probationer  should  be  required  to  travel  to  see  his  officer. 


61 

If  it  is  impossible  for  the  officer  to  arrange  a  reporting  station 
within  reasonable  distance  of  his  probationer,  written  reports 
should  be  substituted  for  personal  reports  and  more  frequent  home 
visits  made. 

When  it  is  necessary  to  use  written  reports  instead  of  personal 
reports  a  special  blank  should  be  furnished  to  the  probationer 
with  instructions  for  filling  it  out.  This  should  be  sent  to  the 
officer  once  a  week,  and  should  be  endorsed  by  a  responsible  rela- 
tive or  other  person  who  will  assist  the  officer  in  supervision. 
Keceipts  for  money  paid  at  home  under  court  orders,  or  money 
paid  as  restitution  or  fines  should  be  required.  Weekly  written 
reports  on  attendance  and  conduct  should  be  received  from 
teachers.  Weekly  reports  from  parents  on  blanks  furnished  by 
the  probation  officer  are  useful,  particularly  in  cases  of  incorrigible 
children. 

The  place  for  receiving  reports  is  important.  They  should  not 
be  received  in  a  court-room  or  a  police  station*  in  any  case  and  if 
possible  not  in  any  room  adjoining  either  of  the  above.  They 
should  be  received  in  private  and  all  publicity  should  be  avoided. 
An  outer  waiting  room  and  an  inner  office  where  the  probation 
officer  and  the  probationer  may  meet  entirely  alone  are  required. 

Sometimes  the  use  of  several  offices  by  one  officer  is  desirable. 
Arrangements  may  be  made  to  secure  rooms  in  schoolhouses,  set- 
tlement houses,  or  private  business  offices.  If  several  officers  use 
one  office  they  should  receive  reports  at  different  hours.  In  large 
cities,  or  wherever  a  considerable  area  is  served  by  several  proba- 
tion officers  working  together,  the  district  system  is  advisable. 
Where  this  is  established,  the  probation  officer  should  receive  his 
reports  in  one  or  more  offices  located  in  his  district. 

Every  possible  precaution  should  be  exercised  to  prevent  pro- 
bationers from  mingling  or  meeting  each  other  before,  during, 
or  after  reporting.  To  avoid  this  the  probation  officer  must 
exercise  constant  vigilance.  Probationers  should  be  instructed 
to  come  at  different  hours  on  the  reporting  day  or  night.  Half- 
hour  periods  may  be  fixed  and  every  effort  should  be  made  to 
require  probationers  to  report  promptly  within  the  periods 
assigned.  If  probationers  must  wait  to  report,  they  should  be 


62 

under  observation  while  waiting;  they  should  be  instructed  not  to 
come  to  or  leave  the  probation  office  in  company  with  other  pro- 
bationers and  not  to  converse  with  others  while  waiting.  Children 
and  adults  should  never  report  at  the  same  time  and  place;  male 
and  female  probationers  should  not  report  together. 

Probation  officers  should  not  attempt  to  receive  too  many  pro- 
bationers in  one  evening.  In  this  way  reports  become  hurried 
and  perfunctory  and  probationers  assemble.  Two  or  more  even- 
ings each  week  may  be  required  unless  some  probationers  can 
report  in  the  daytime.  Interviews  with  probationers  should  be 
long  enough  for  a  good-  heart-to-heart  talk.  Some  probationers 
can  be  disposed  of  more  quickly  than  others,  but  at  least  ten 
minutes  per  case  is  usually  needed.' 

The  successful  probation  officer  knows  best  how  to  adapt  his 
interviews  to  the  needs  of  the  probationer.  Every  interview 
should  promote  mutual  acquaintance  and  if  possible  friendliness. 
Firmness,  but  not  'severity,  should  prevail.  Inquiry  regarding 
work,  recreation,  habits,  home  conditions  and  many  other  matters 
touching  on  the  probationer's  conduct  and  progress  should  be 
made.  The  information  secured  from  reporting  depends  upon  the 
probation  officer's  tact,  resourcefulness  and  ability  in  asking 
questions.  All  information  secured  should  be  checked  up  after- 
wards by  the  home  visit,  the  telephone  call,  or  otherwise.  A  record 
of  all  reports  together  with  any  important  information  secured 
should  be  entered  on  the  probation  case  history. 

The  probationer's  report  is  an  opportunity  for  the  officer  to  get 
acquainted  and  to  bring  friendly  personal  influence  to  bear,  for 
making  the  probationer  understand  that  probation  means  business, 
for  giving  helpful  advice,  and  for  planning  and  applying  the  many 
personal  services  which  the  particular  case  demands.  A  study 
of  each  probationer  to  learn  his  special  aptitudes  and  what  special 
needs  and  deficiencies  the  probation  officer  can  help  to  supply, 
should  be  made  in  connection  with  the  reporting.  Stereotyped 
advice,  admonitions,  orders  or  threats  usually  fail  of  their  objects," 
establishing  a  friendly  basis  of  contact,  kindly  counsel  and  per- 
sonal service,  generally  bring  results. 


7.     COOPERATION 

Visits  should  be  made  to  all  agencies  where  cooperation  may  be 
secured.  Big  Brothers,  Big  Sisters,  Humane  Societies  and  other 
organizations  doing  probation,  protective  or  preventive  work 
should  give  and  receive  much  cooperation.  Volunteer  probation 
officers  if  carefully  selected  may  be  used  with  discretion  to  make 
visits  and  perform  special  services  under  the  direction  of  the 
salaried  probation  officer.  The  assistance  of  volunteers  is  espe- 
cially valuable  when  the  staff  of  salaried  officers  is  inadequate 
and  when  probationers  are  scattered  over  a  large  area,  as  in  rural 
work.  Where  competent  volunteers  are  secured  to  visit  cases  less 
frequent  visits  by  the  salaried  officer  may  be  made  but  as  a  rule 
the  probation  officer  should  never  turn  over  the  entire  supervision 
of  a  probationer  to  any  volunteer. 

The  fullest  cooperation  of  teachers,  attendance  officers  and 
school  authorities  should  be  sought  in  cases  of  school  children  011 
probation.  School  authorities  should  be  encouraged  to  deal  with 
truants  without  court  action  as  long  as  possible.  Teachers  should 
be  requested  to  send  to  the  probation  officer  reports  of  attendance 
and  conduct  on  blanks  furnished  by  the  officer.  They  should 
also  be  visited  and  conferences  held  with  teachers,  attendance 
officers,  and  school  authorities. 

In  general,  the  rule  should  be  followed  that  the  probation  office 
should  not  undertake  services  for  probationers  or  their  families 
which  other  agencies  are  better  equipped  to  furnish.  Public  or 
private  relief  agencies  should  be  called  upon  to  give  emergency 
relief  or  regular  allowances  when  necessary.  There  should  be  a 
full  exchange  of  information.  To  this  end,  in  order  to  promote 
cooperation  and  avoid  duplication  of  effort,  probation  cases  should 
be  registered  with  a  confidential,  social  service  exchange  if  one 
exists. 

Clergymen,  church  visitors  and  Sunday  school  teachers  who 
may  be  helpful  in  bringing  the  probationer  or  members  of  his 
family  into  church  organizations,  solemnizing  a  pledge,  or  secur- 
ing relief.  Care  should  be  exercised  to  see  that  the  churches  from, 
which  cooperation  is  sought  be  of  the  same  religious  faith  as  that 
of  the  probationer.  The  potent  influence  of  religion  should  be 
utilized  as  far  as  possible  in  bringing  restraining  and  uplifting 


64 

influences  to  bear  and  in  transforming  and  building  up  the  char- 
acter of  the  probationer. 

Settlements,  clubs  and  all  other  organizations  which  may  help 
in  building  up  the  probationer's  character  by  furnishing  recrea- 
tion, instruction  and  good  companionship,  keeping  him  from 
harmful  occupations  and  associations  should  be  utilized  as  much 
as  possible. 

8.     THE  COURT  AND  SUPERVISION 

The  court  in  placing  a  person  on  probation  assumes  the  responsi- 
bility and  retains  the  authority  to  deal  with  him  subsequently. 
To  the  probation  officer  as  the  representative  of  the  court  is  dele- 
gated the  actual  care  of  the  probationer,  and  he  usually  decides 
whether  the  probationer  should  be  brought  back  to  court  for 
discharge  or  for  reprimand  or  sentence. 

Judges  should  be  kept  informed  of  the  progress  of  probationers 
and  of  the  work  done  by  probation  officers  by  means  of  frequent 
reports  and  consultations.  Probationers  should  know  that  the 
judge  is  interested  in  their  welfare.  Monthly  written  reports  by 
the  probation  officer  on  all  his  cases  should  be  made  to  the  court. 
As  a  general  rule  personal  reporting  by  probationers  to  the  judge 
is  unnecessary  and  inadvisable  except  when  a  reprimand  is  needed 
or  upon  the  completion  of  probation. 

It  is  recommended  that  probationers  be  discharged  from  pro- 
bation by  a  judge,  preferably  the  judge  who  placed  them  on 
probation.  The  final  intend ew  with  the  judge  is  valuable,  tending 
to  impress  the  probationer  with  the  authority  and  clemency  of  the 
court  and  to  encourage  and  fortify  him  in  his  efforts  to  make  good. 
The  discharge  should  be  made  in  chambers,  with  only  the  judge, 
the  probationer  and  the  probation  officer  present.  Whenever  pro- 
bationers are  brought  before  a  judge  every  possible  effort  should 
be  made  to  prevent  or  to  reduce  to  a  minimum  their  meeting  or 
assembling. 

9.     EMPLOYMENT 

Inasmuch  as  employment  has  an  important  influence  in  char- 
acter building  special  efforts  to  assist  probationers  who  work  to 
find  employment  or  to  better  their  positions  should  be  made  by 
every  probation  officer.  Probationers  should  be  helped  as  much  as 
possible  to  get  suitable  work  and  to  succeed  in  it.  To  this  end 
employers  should  be  visited,  and  a  list  of  those  willing  to  cooper- 


65 

ate  and  employ  probationers  should  be  on  file  in  the  probation 
office.  Employers  should  not  generally  be  told  that  employees  are 
on  probation  unless  known  to  be  willing  to  employ  probationers. 
Probationers  should  be  sent  only  to  places  where  good  moral  and 
physical  standards  are  maintained,  where  adequate  wages  are 
paid,  and  where  if  possible  there  is  a  chance  for  advancement. 
In  many  cases,  especially  of  boys  and  girls  of  working  age, 
vocational  guidance  should  be  used.  In  large  offices  a  special 
bureau  of  employment  in  charge  of  a  probation  officer  should  be 
established. 

10.     PHYSICAL  AND  MENTAL  EXAMINATIONS 

Probation  officers  should  endeavor  to  have  as  many  of  their 
probationers  as  possible  examined  both  mentally  and  physically. 
So  far  as  possible  such  examinations  should  be  made  before  cases 
are  placed  on  probation,  both  to  prevent  the  release  on  probation 
of  feeble-minded  or  other  unfit  persons  and  to  enable  the  officer 
to  understand  his  probationers  at  the  start.  As  but  few  courts 
as  yet  employ  trained  psychologists,  psychiatrists  and  physicians, 
the  probation  officer  must  take  steps  to  secure  the  cooperation  of 
physicians  and  experts,  visiting  nurses,  hospitals  and  clinics,  and 
should  select  cases  to  be  examined  where  special  need  appears. 
Be  should  also  secure  proper  treatment  and  when  necessary 
recommend  institutional  care.  Psychiatric  clinics,  supported  by 
the  public^  should  be  established  for  the  examination  of  children 
and  adults  brought  before  the  courts. 

ii.     SPECIAL  METHODS  OF  SUPERVISION 

The  needs  of  individual  probationers  often  suggest  special 
methods  of  supervision.  In  some  cases,  particularly  those  of  chil- 
dren, rewards  as  well  as  punishments  should  be  used.  Admissions 
to  clubs,  entertainments,  baseball  games,  or  to  other  wholesome 
recreations  may  prove  effective.  The  performing  of  a  great 
variety  of  constructive  services  to  improve  homes  or  to  assist 
other  members  of  the  household,  is  often  found  to  react  upon  the 
probationer  more  favorably  than  any  amount  of  advice  or  disci- 
pline. The  probationer  should  be  helped  in  the  management  of 
his  financial  affairs,  in  the  support  of  dependents,  the  payment 
of  debts  and  the  starting  of  savings  accounts.  Health  and  recrea- 
tion must  not  be  neglected.  The  special  services  and  methods 


66 

which  probation  officers  may  use  to  bring  about  improvement  in 
conduct  and  to  build  up  character  are  innumerable.  These  special 
services  carried  out  in  connection  with  the  necessary  routine  of 
visits  and  reports  are  the  most  important  feature  of  probation 
supervision.  The  officer,  when  his  time  allows,  should  keep  in 
touch  with  certain  probationers  after  their  discharge  from  proba- 
tion by  means  of  visits  or  otherwise.  Much  satisfaction  and  profit 
may  be  had  from  continuing  the  friendly  relations  established 
during  the  probation  period. 

12.     SELECTION  OF  OFFICERS  AND  ASSIGNMENT  OF  CASES 

To  properly  perform  the  many  arduous  duties  outlined  above 
the  careful  selection  of  probation  officers  is  of  paramount  import- 
ance. Civil  service  examinations,  conducted  by  experts,  in  which 
at  least  50  per  cent  of  the  rating  is  allowed  for  personality  and 
experience,  determined  by  an  oral  examination  have  been  success- 
ful throughout  New  York  State  in  the  selection  of  probation 
officers.  Only  persons  who  have  the  character,  ability  and  training 
which  will  enable  them  to  get  results  through  the  exercise  of  tact, 
discrimination,  analytical  power,  firmness  and  kindliness  should 
seek  this  office. 

Where  a  choice  is  possible,  chief  probation  officers  should  seek 
to  assign  probationers  to  officers  who  are  specially  qualified  to 
deal  with  them.  Officers  differ  in  personality,  and  one  officer 
may  succeed  in  a  certain  case  where  another  officer  would  be  a 
total  failure.  The  only  rule  that  may  be  laid  down  in  this  regard 
is  that  in  general  men  and  boys  of  fourteen  years  of  age  or  older, 
should  be  placed  under  the  supervision  of  male  officers  and  all 
cases  of  women  and  girls  should  be  under  the  supervision  of 
women  officers.  Boys  under  fourteen  may  be  effectively  super- 
vised by  either  men  or  women  officers,  depending  on  the  case  and 
the  officer. 

In  general  a  probationer  should  be  dealt  with  by  one  probation 
officer  throughout  the  whole  probation  period.  However,  there 
are  circumstances  which  call  for  the  assignment  of  a  new  officer. 
In  some  cases,  particularly  those  involving  domestic  relations, 
the  cooperation  of  both  a  man  and  a  woman  probation  officer  in 
dealing  with  various  members  of  the  family  is  found  very 
effective. 


6T 

The  above  program,  if  consistently  carried  out,  adapting  the 
methods  used  to  individual  needs,  should  produce  a  maximum 
number  of  probation  successes.  It  is  obviously  necessary  to  con- 
sider conditions  as  they  are  rather  than  to  assume  an  ideal  situa- 
tion. Many  officers  are  today  unable  to  carry  out  these  standards 
and  recommendations  because  of  a  lack  of  proper  equipment  and 
an  insufficient  number  of  officers.  Where  this  is  the  case,  it  may 
be  asked  what  is  the  officer  to  do.  The  answer  is  difficult.  In  the 
first  place  it  seems  essential  that  he  should  use  every  effort  to 
economize  his  time  and  energies  so  that  he  may  carry  out  as  much 
of  the  ideal  supervision  program  as  possible.  In  the  second  place 
he  should  distribute  the  time  spent  on  each  visit  and  report  to  the 
best  possible  advantage  and  use  more  individual  discrimination 
in  visits  and  other  work.  The  above  program,  however,  should  be 
approximated  as  closely  as  possible  and  the  probation  officer  should 
work  unceasingly  to  show  his  judges,  fiscal  authorities  and  the 
public  that  economical,  efficient  probation  work  can  only  be  done 
with  an  adequate  staff  of  officers  and  that  it  will  pay  the  com- 
munity to  furnish  them. 

This  report  deals  only  with  probation  methods  and  endeavors 
to  present  a  rational  program  of  supervision.  Many  of  the 
broader  aspects  of  this  work  have  necessarily  been  disregarded. 
The  first  duty  of  the  probation  officer,  like  that  of  a  physician, 
is  to  do  good  case  work,  but  this  involves  other  duties.  Probation 
officers  should  seek  proper  publicity,  should  educate  the  public 
in  regard  to  their  work  so  as  to  secure  enlarged  facilities  and 
equipment,  to  bring  about  the  appointment  of  more  probation 
officers,  and  the  development  of  a  greater  degree  of  cooperation 
from  all  possible  sources.  It  should  be  possible  for  probation 
officers  to  do  important  preventive  work  as  it  comes  to  their 
attention,  such  as  quieting  neighborhood  quarrels,  settling  dis- 
putes, investigating  and  keeping  cases  out  of  court  if  it  be  for  the 
public  good.  Probation  officers  should  study  the  causes  of  crime 
and  delinquency  and  help  to  interpret  them  to  the  community. 
Probation  officers  should  play  an  increasingly  impo-rtant  part  in 
the  broader  movements  of  the  day  looking  toward  the  improve- 
ment of  social  conditions  and  the  prevention  of  delinquency  and 
crime. 


68 


ACCOUNTS  OF  VISITS  TO  PROBATIONERS  AND  FOR- 
MER  PROBATIONERS   AND   THEIR   FAMILIES, 
WITH    PROBATION    HISTORY    NOTES 

FOREWORD 

The  following  accounts  of  visits  to  probationers  and  former 
probationers  and  their  families  are  selected  from  fifty-nine  com- 
plete reports  of  visits  made  by  the  Secretary  or  Assistant  Secretary 
of  the  State  Probation  Commission.  The  probation  histories  were 
taken  from  the  case  records  on  file  in  the  local  probation  offices. 
The  various  people  interviewed  were  seen,  for  the  most  part,  in 
their  own  homes  and  the  statements  they  made  are  reproduced  just 
as  they  were  uttered,  as  far  as  possible.  In  a  number  of  instances 
the  probationer  was  seen  alone  and  afterwards  his  wife  or  other 
members  of  the  household.  An  effort  was  made  to  get  the  pro- 
bationer and  his  family  to  talk  freely  and  to  give  their  opinions 
of  the  methods  used  in  their  cases  and  also  as  observed  in  the  cases 
of  other  probationers  with  whom  they  came  in  contact.  All  kinds 
of  persons  were  seen ;  some  were  most  intelligent,  others  were  not 
so,  but  all  were  able  to  give  information  out  of  their  own  expe- 
rience of  the  merits  or  demerits  of  the  probation  system  as  they 
had  seen  it.  The  cases  selected  for  visiting  were  secured  from 
probation  officers  in  a  number  of  cities  throughout  the  State. 
The  officers  were  requested  to  furnish  typical  cases  of  various 
kinds  of  probationers  who  had  for  the  most  part  completed  their 
probation  terms  successfully. 


—  H— andL— L— . 
COUET  —  Onondaga  county. 
OFFENSE  —  Petty  larceny. 

PEOBATION  BEGAN  —  October  25,  1915,  and  May  17,  1916. 
PEOBATION  ENDED  —  October,  1916  and  June,  1917. 
INVESTIGATION — August,  1917. 

Probation  History 

Both  cases  investigated  before  being  placed  on  probation.  Many 
home  visits  made.  Mother  was  always  seen  and  her  cooperation 
secured.  Regular  reports  were  made. 


69 

Investigation 

Henry  is  at  present  in  the  army  on  active  duty.  Leonard  is 
working  for  a  construction  company  in  the  west. 

I  saw  the  mother  of  these  two  boys  and  she  informs  me  that 
they  are  both  doing  excellently  now.  She  says  the  probation 
officer  was  very  kind  to  her  and  her  boys  and  did  a  great  deal  to 
bring  about  reformation  for  both.  The  officer  visited  her  home 
many  times  and  talked  over  the  boys'  cases  with  her.  He  would 
also  see  the  boys  on  some  of  these  occasions.  She  never  had  any 
trouble  getting  them  to  report  as  they  always  went  of  their  own 
accord.  They  were  not  reluctant  about  it  but  seemed  rather  glad 
of  the  opportunity  to  go  down  to  the  office  and  talk  things  over 

with  Mr. .    He  always  gave  them  some  good  advice  which 

helped  to  keep  them  straight.  She  thinks  the  experience  was  very 
good  for  both  and  believes  that  the  reporting  was  especially 
valuable. 

2 

NAME  — P—  0—. 

COURT  —  Onondaga  County. 

OFFENSE  —  Burglary. 

PROBATION  BEGAN — April  3,  1915. 

PROBATION  ENDED  —  May  3,  1916. 

INVESTIGATION — August,  19 17. 

Probation  History 

Investigated  before  being  placed  on  probation.  According  to 
the  probation  officer  many  home  visits  were  made  in  this  case. 
The  relatives  were  seen  frequently.  Man  reported  to  the  proba- 
tion officer  every  week  regularly.  Discharged  improved. 

Investigation 

When  this  boy  was  on  probation  he  was  living  with  his  aunt, 
but  at  present  he  is  living  with  his  mother  nearby.  I  talked  with 
both  the  probationer  and  the  mother. 

Philip  says  it  was  a  good  experience  for  him  and  that  he  is 
glad  he  was  put  on  probation.  He  came  into  contact  with  Mr. 

whom  he  considered  to  be  one  of  the  finest  of  men,  and 

has  never  regretted  his  experience  in  the  least.  He  says  Mr. 
was  very  kind  to  him  and  especially  helpful  when  he 


TO 

reported  because  they  always  talked  things  over  and  discussed 
various  things  upon  which  Philip  needed  advice. 

He  liked  the  reporting  and  thinks  it  was  the  best  part  of  his 
probation.  It  was  this  reporting  which  helped  him  most  to 
abstain  from  drinking  as  he  knew  he  would  have  to  tell  Mr. 

every  week  just  what  he  had  been  doing.     He  says  he 

never  saw  more  than  on'e  boy  at  the  office  when  he  was  reporting 
and  all  his  conferences  with  the  officer  were  private.  He  thought 
it  was  much  better  to  report  in  the  private  office  than  it  would 
have  been  had  he  had  to  report  at  the  Court  House.  Mr.  j — 
used  to  come  around  to  see  him  in  the  evening  and  on  Sundays 
and  he  was  always  glad  to  have  him  come. 

The  mother  says  that  from  the  time  the  boy  was  placed  on 
probation  up  to  the  present  he  has  been  a  model  son  and  she  has 
no  complaint  to  make.  She  gives  full  credit  to  Mr.  -  -  for 
this  and  says  the  experience  was  a  great  lesson  to  the  boy. 

3 

NAME  —  A —  M. 
COURT  —  Onondaga  County. 
OFFENSE  —  Grand  larceny. 
PROBATION  BEGAN — April,  1916. 
PROBATION  ENDED — April,  1917. 
INVESTIGATION  —  August,  19 17. 

Probation  History 

Thoroughly  investigated  before  being  placed  on  probation.  No 
home  visits  were  made  in  this  case.  Probation  officer  knew  the 
family.  Inquiries  were  made  from  mutual  friends  regarding  pro- 
bationer. Man  reported  regularly  every  week  to  the  officer. 

The  probation  officer  thinks  reporting  didn't  do  probationer 
much  good.  The  knowledge  that  he  was  on  probation  did  him 
good.  It  was  an  unusual  case.  The  man  was  treasurer  of  a  fra- 
ternal organization.  Irregularities  were  discovered  in  his 
accounts  and  he  was  arrested.  He  made  restitution  by  selling 

his  house. 

Investigation 

The  man  was  seen  alone.  He  is  a  man  of  high  type  now 
employed  in  a  responsible  position.  He  said: 

"  Yes  I  reported  regularly  but  beyond  that  I  needed  no  super- 


n 

vision.  Mr.  -  -  did  not  visit  me.  I  sold  my  home  and  paid 
up  the  amount  charged  against  me.  I  saw  the  effect  of  probation 
on  others,  however.  It  is  a  grand  thing  and  I  cannot  say  too  much 
for  it.  In  many  cases,  especially  of  young  men,  it  did  them  no  end 
of  good  to  have  to  report  weekly  to  Mr.  -  — .  He  is  a  fine 
gentleman  and  his  talks  to  the  boys  were  just  what  they  needed. 
The  reporting  is  a  great  thing  because  it  keeps  the  boy's  memory 
clear  regarding  his  obligation.  I  do  believe  that  the  reporting 
should  be  followed  up  closely  by  going  to  the  homes  and  seeing 
whether  the  men  have  been  lying  to  the  officer.  Reporting  alone 
without  checking  it  up  would  hurt  probation  as  some  of  the  men 
would  take  advantage  of  the  trust  which  the  officer  placed  in 
them.  It  would  seem  to  me  that  an  officer  could  accomplish  a  lot 
by  going  to  the  home  and  seeing  the  family. 

"  The  boys  never  came  in  groups;  they  never  talked  to  each 
other.  I  never  saw  more  than  two  others  in  the  office  when  I  was 
there — sometimes  only  one.  Probation  is  a  wonderful  thing  for 
it  prevents  the  stain  of  a  jail  term.  I  feel  very  strongly  about 
this."  • 

4 

NAME  — E—  Y— . 

COUKT  —  Justice  of  the  Peace,  Onoiidaga  County. 

OFFENSE  —  Petty  larceny. 

PROBATION  BEGAN  —  June  16,  1915. 

PROBATION  ENDED  —  June  19,  1916. 

INVESTIGATION  —  August  16,   1917. 

Probation  History 

Supervision  in  this  case  consisted  chiefly  in  receiving  reports 
each  week.  The  man  missed  reporting  only  once. 

Investigation 

This  man  has  joined  the  army  and  is  at  present  in  active  ser- 
vice. I  saw  his  mother  and  talked  with  her  at  some  length.  She 
says  that  probation  was  a  very  good  thing  for  her  boy  inasmuch 
as  he  learned  a  lesson  from  it  and  kept  out  of  trouble  thereafter. 
He  had  never  been  arrested  before  but  she  thought  he  deserved 
it  this  time  and  was  glad  he  was  placed  on  probation. 

He  reported  regularly  every  week  and  did  not  seem  to  mind 
it  a  great  deal.  He  enjoyed  talking  with  the  probation  officer, 


72 

he  said,  and  the  fact  that  he  had  to  report  kept  his  scrape  clearly 
before  his  mind.  He  avoided  his  former  companions  who  had  got 
into  trouble  with  him  and  applied  himself  fully  to  his  work. 

5 

NAME  — C—  S— . 

COURT  —  Onondaga  County. 

OFFENSE  —  Non-support. 

PROBATION  BEGAN  —  June  2,  1914. 

PROBATION  ENDED  —  December  16,  1914. 

INVESTIGATION — August  16,  1917. 

Probation  History 

This  case  was  visited  by  the  probation  officer  twice,  the  pro- 
bationer and  children  being  seen.  Probation  officer  helped  the 
man  to  secure  work.  He  reported  to  the  probation  office  every 
week  without  missing  once.  Discharged  with  improvement. 

Investigation 

I  visited  this  man  at  his  home.  He  is  working  steadily  now 
and  everything  is  going  along  nicely.  He  is  a  man  past  middle 
life.  He  says  that  he  did  not  mind  reporting  to  the  probation 
officer  as  he  felt  it  was  merely  a  duty  and  should  be  complied  with 
strictly.  He  did  not  know  whether  the  reporting  did  him  much 
good  or  not  as  he  said  he  never  thought  a  great  deal  about  it.  It 
was  just  a  case  of  going  down  and  having  his  card  marked  and 
getting  out  of  there  as  soon  as  possible.  He  saw  other  probationers 
there  when  he  reported  but  never  saw  them  talking  to  each  other 
or  discussing  their  cases.  He  never  met  the  officer  at  his  home 
although  he  understood  that  he  came  out  there  a  couple  of  times 
in  the  day  time. 

6 

NAME  — C—  A—. 

COURT  —  Erie  County. 

OFFENSE  — Assault,  second  degree  (shot  a  man  in  a  saloon 
while  intoxicated). 

PROBATION  BEGAN  —  January,  1916. 

PROBATION  ENDED  —  June,  1917. 

INVESTIGATION  —  July  13,  1917. 


73 

Probation  History 

After  a  thorough  preliminary  investigation  probation  was 
granted  on  the  grounds  of  this  being  defendant's  first  offense. 
Case  was  under  intensive  supervision  for  one  year  and  five  months. 
Visits  were  made  four  times  to  the  home  where  the  wife  was  inter- 
viewed as  to  the  man's  progress.  Although  the  man  lived  outside 
the  city  he  was  required  to  report  every  week  to  the  probation 
officer.  He  missed  only  one  report  during  the  first  year.  After 
the  first  year  he  was  allowed  to  report  once  in  two  weeks  and  for 
the  last  two  months  of  his  probation,  once  a  month.  He  was  taken 
back  by  his  former  employer.  He  paid  $150  restitution  to  the 
complainant  for  his  injuries,  as  ordered  by  the  court,  in  small 
instalments  during  his  probation. 

Investigation 

I  interviewed  this  man  alone  in  the  probation  office.  He  is  an 
exceedingly  intelligent,  well  educated,  fine  spirited  man.  He 
states  that  he  has  been  getting  along  finely ;  has  recently  been  ele- 
vated to  foreman  of  his  department  in  a  manufacturing  establish- 
ment. He  has  let  liquor  entirely  alone  since  he  was  put  on  pro- 
bation. Seems  to  greatly  appreciate  what  was  done  for  him. 

Mr.  -  -  was  asked  to  give  his  version  of  "  reporting."  He 
said :  "  Well,  I  hated  it  like  h —  but  it  was  good  for  me.  The 
discipline  was  what  I  needed.  Yes,  it  did  me  a  lot  of  good." 
Asked  to  "explain  what  he  hated  about  reporting,  he  said  it  was 
chiefly  the  waiting  and  being  seen  by  other  probationers.  He  did 
not  mind  talking  with  his  probation  officer ;  in  fact  he  was  very 
glad  to  do  it.  He  was  glad  to  have  his  advice.  He  said :  "  I 
told  him  (the  probation  officer)  everything.  I  thought  it  was  best 
to  do  so.  I  wanted  to  get  out  of  it  as  soon  as  I  could."  He 
related  how  he  had  once,  while  on  probation,  got  into  a  fight  in  a 
moving  picture  house  in  which  another  man  who  was  under  the 
influence  of  liquor  was  the  aggressor.  He  knocked  this  man  down. 
When  he  next  came  to  report  to  the  probation  officer  he  told  him 
about  this,  thinking  he  might  hear  of  it  in  some  other  way  and  it 
might  cause  him  trouble. 

"A  probation  officer  will  soon  find  out  whether  a  man  is  telling 
him  the  truth  if  he  is  onto  his  job,"  he  said.  He  thought  that 


74 

probationers  in  most  cases  want  to  tell  the  truth ;  that  they  appre- 
ciate what  is  being  done  for  them  and  the  helpful  and  kindly 
attitude  of  the  probation  officer.  He  himself  showed  a  remarkable 
appreciation  and  kindly  feeling  towards  his  probation  officer. 
Said  he  would  do  anything  in  the  world  for  him  in  return  for  all 
the  help  he  had  given  him. 

He  said  that  the  few  probationers  who  rebel  at  reporting  and 
are  surly  about  it  ought  to  have  the  screws  tightened.  They 
ought  to  be  made  to  report  oftener.  A  probationer  who  would  go 
out  and  commit  an  offense  while  on  probation  never  should  have 
been  placed  on  probation. 

In  all  his  reporting,  he  never  knew  probationers  to  discuss  their 
crimes  or  to  have  an  injurious  influence  over  each  other ;  usually 
he  saw  them  with  their  heads  hung,  not  wanting  to  talk  to  their 
fellows.  He  was  only  once  spoken  to  by  another  probationer  while 
waiting  to  report.  The  man  said  to  him :  "  Didn't  I  see  you  in 
the  jail ?  "  He  said:  "  Yes."  That  was  all  there  was  to  the  con- 
versation. 

Regarding  home  visits  he  thought  they  were  desirable  and  said 
that  he  and  his  wife  were  always  glad  to  see  the  probation  officer. 
"Why?"  "Because  they  liked  him  personally."  He  thought 
home  visits  were  objectionable  if  the  neighbors  became  aware  that 
the  probation  officer  was  calling.  In  that  case  he  thought  they 
should  be  dispensed  with;  that  the  probationer  should  tell  the 
officer  of  that  fact  and  arrange  to  meet  him  elsewhere. 

For  real  information  as  to  how  a  probationer  is  behaving  him- 
self he  suggests  that  the  officer  go  to  a  nearby  saloon  keeper,  see 
fellow  employees,  wife  and  family,  but  not  the  neighbors. 

He  thought  emphatically  that  the  success  of  probation  depends 
upon  the  probation  officer's  personality. 

7. 

NAME  —  W—  H— . 
COURT  —  Erie  County  Supreme. 
OFFENSE  — Abandonment. 
PROBATION  BEGAN  —  November  24,  1915. 
PROBATION  ENDED  —  November  23,  1916. 
INVESTIGATION  —  July  27,  1917. 


75 

Probation  History 

This  man  abandoned  his  wife  and  two  children,  ages  six  and 
eight,  in  very  destitute  circumstances.  A  thorough  investigation 
was  made  before  he  was  placed  on  probation.  The  probation  offi- 
cer was  inclined  to  recommend  commitment  as  he  had  deserted 
his  family  five  times.  His  wife  was  pregnant  when  abandoned 
this  time.  He  also  drank  to  excess. 

Thorough  probation  supervision  was  given  to  the  case,  the  first 
three  months  by  Mr.  -  -  and  then  for  two  months  under  Mrs. 
-  in  order  that  she  might  help  in  the  home,  but  for  the 
greater  part  of  the  time  under  Mr.  -  — .  Ten  visits  were  made 
to  the  home  by  the  probation  officers.  On  these  visits,  the  wife 
and  children  were  seen,  but  not  the  man.  He  got  work  and  kept 
steadily  employed  and  paid  $5  per  week  to  his  wife  as  ordered 
by  the  court,  bringing  receipts  to  the  probation  officer.  He 
reported  regularly  once  a  week  for  the  first  four  months  and  then 
twice  a  week  to  the  end  of  his  probation  period.  Constructive 
work  was  done  with  the  family.  The  probation  officer  got  the 
couple  reconciled  after  the  first  month  at  which  time  the  two 
older  children  were  taken  out  of  an  orphan  asylum  where  they  had 
been  placed  at  the  time  the  mother  was  deserted  as  she  was  about 
to  have  a  baby.  The  couple  went  to  housekeeping  again.  The 
probation  officer  stated  that  the  man  "  took  probation  seriously," 
and  proved  to  be  "  one  of  my  best  probationers." 

Investigation 

I  saw  the  wife  at  home  with  her  two  children.  She  said,  "  He 
never  drinks  liquor  any  more,  only  beer.  He  is  real  fond  of  the 
children.  I  have  had  trouble  with  him  only  once  since  being  off 
probation  (November,  1916).  He  got  in  with  a  bad  crowd  and 
got  to  drinking,  but  that  was  nothing  so  bad  as  before.  No,  he 
hasn't  shown  any  sign  of  wanting  to  leave  me  again.  He  is  much 
better  than  he  was."  The  woman  in  talking  further  said  that  the 
improvement  was  entirely  due  to  the  court  experience  and  pro- 
bation. She  now  wishes  that  she  had  made  a  complaint  before. 

Eegarding  visits,  she  said  that  the  officer  came  to  see  them 
almost  every  month,  but  never  saw  the  man  on  these  calls.  She 
told  her  husband  once  that  the  officer  had  been  there  and  he  didn't 
like  it  —  "  Why  does  he  have  to  come  out  here,"  he  said. 


76 

Regarding  reporting,  she  had  the  following  to  say :  "  He  didn't 
like  to  go  down  there  and  report  at  all,  but  it  did  him  good.  He  is 
a  man  that  always  had  his  own  way.  It  is  a  good  thing  for  him 
to  meet  the  probation  officer;  it  helped  to  keep  him  straight." 

8 

NAME  —  G —  M — . 
COURT  —  Erie  County. 
OFFENSE  — Attempted  grand  larceny. 
PROBATION  BEGAN — April  J,  1914. 
PROBATION  ENDED  —  May  21,  1915. 
INVESTIGATION  —  July  28,  1917. 

Probation  History 

This  was  a  boy  who  lived  with  his  parents  and  got  into  trouble 
through  bad  associates  and  drink.  He  was  working  in  a  pool  room 
at  night  which  brought  him  into  bad  company.  Probation  officer 
required  him  to  give  up  this  work  against  his  will  and  seek  other 
employment.  Also  required  him  to  sign  a  pledge.  Officer  made 
seventeen  visits  to  the  home.  Usually  saw  the  mother  on  these 
visits  and  obtained  the  full  cooperation  of  both  parents.  Boy  was 
required  to  report  to  the  probation  officer  weekly  while  in  the  city. 
For  the  last  part  of  his  probationary  period  he  obtained  work  in 
another  town.  He  was  then  required  to  report  by  letter. 

Investigation 

Boy  was  seen  alone  at  his  home.  He  said:  "I  have  had  no 
more  trouble.  I  am  working  and  not  drinking  anything.  Drink 
caused  all  the  trouble." 

As  to  reporting,  he  said :  "It  was  all  right.  I  knew  I  had  to 
do  it  so  I  did.  A  man  will  do  lots  of  things  when  he  has  to  and 
will  not  mind  it.  It  holds  a  man  from  doing  things  which  he 
would  otherwise  do." 

As  to  visiting  he  said  that  the  officer  came  every  month  to  his 
home  but  he  saw  him  only  once  or  twice  on  these  occasions.  He 
said :  "A  mother  will  take  an  interest  if  she  is  a  real  mother  and 
will  help  the  officer  and  tell  him  about  you." 

He  said  he  didn't  suppose  the  probation  would  be  so  strict. 
He  was  made  to  feel  that  he  had  to  be  careful  and  report  promptly. 


77 

Said  the  officer  made  him  give  up  his  job  in  the  pool  room  on 
account  of  the  associations.  He  admitted  that  these  were  bad  but 
said  he  didn't  like  to  give  up  the  job  because  it  paid  good  money. 

9 

NAME  —  A —  N" — . 
COUET  —  Erie  County  Supreme. 
OFFENSE  — Abandonment. 
PROBATION  BEGAN  —  November  20,  1914. 
PROBATION  ENDED  —  March  31,  1916. 
INVESTIGATION  —  July  27,  1917. 

Probation  History 

This  was  the  case  of  a  young  man,  thirty  years  old,  who  had 
abandoned  his  wife  and  two  children,  aged  five  and  three  years, 
leaving  them  in  destitute  circumstances.  He  left  the  city  and  was 
gone  for  several  months.  His  wife  got  out  a  warrant  and  on  his 
return  he  was  arrested. 

He  had  been  married  five  years.  The  marriage  was  forced  and 
very  unhappy.  Previously,  in  April,  1911,  he  had  been  arrested 
for  non-support  and  placed  on  probation  in  the  City  Court.  Under 
the  abandonment  charge  he  was  convicted  and  after  a  thorough 
investigation  by  the  probation  officer  he  was  placed  on  probation 
and  required  to  pay  the  probation  officer  $5  a  week  for  the  support 
of  his  wife.  They  desired  a  separation  and  it  was  allowed.  The 
probation  officer  made  ten  visits  to  the  home.  In  these  visits  the 
wife  and  children  were  always  seen,  but  the  man  was  usually  away 
at  work.  He  was  employed  as  head  bell-boy  in  the  hotel.  The 
probation  officer  brought  about  a  reconciliation  of  the  couple. 
The  man  was  required  to  report  every  week  at  the  probation  office 
up  to  the  last  three  months  of  his  probation  period  when  he  was 
required  to  report  every  two  weeks.  He  missed  only  one  report 
in  all  this  time.  After  the  couple  was  reconciled,  the  probation 
officer  arranged  for  payment  of  his  full  wages  direct  to  the  wife. 
He  was  discharged  apparently  greatly  improved. 

Investigation 

The  wife  was  seen  at  her  home  which  was  clean  and  prosperous 
looking.  She  stated  that  her  husband  was  doing  very  well,  that 
she  had  had  no  trouble  since  he  was  discharged  from  probation. 


78 

He  was  working  steadily,  earning  excellent  wages  at  the  factory. 
He  is  giving  all  his  money  to  his  wife.  She  approved  strongly 
of  the  reporting  system  as  a  disciplinary  method  for  keeping  the 
probationer  in  line.  She  said  that  visits  by  the  probation  officers 
were  always  welcomed  by  her.  The  probation  officer  coming  to 
che  home,  she  said,  only  saw  her  husband  twice  and  then  he  would 
not  talk  any.  He  would  say,  "  How  do  you  do,"  and  go  out.  She 
believes  that  probation  is  the  ideal  method  in  a  case  like  hers. 

The  man  was  seen  by  appointment  later  alone.  He  confirmed 
all  his  wife  had  said.  He  stated  that  he  had  a  good  permanent 
position  that  piermits  of  advancement ;  he  gets  $20  a  week ;  that  all 
was  happy  at  his  home.  He  said,  "  The  trouble  was  all  my  own 
fault;  I  didn't  understand  my  wife  nor  she  me,  but  now  we  do 
and  there  will  be  no  more  trouble.  It  was  the  probation  that 
brought  me  to  my  senses.  It  brought  us  together  and  was  a  very 
good  thing  for  me." 

As  to  reporting,  he  said  that  he  approved  of  it.  He  had  heard 
no  complaint  about  it.  He  said,  "  I  think  it  is  the  best  method 
there  is;  it  holds  a  man."  He  said  that  he  heard  conservation 
by  men  waiting,  but  never  anything  injurious.  He  spoke  highly 
of  Mrs.  -  —  's  way  of  talking  to  probationers.  She  was  always 
kind  and  helpful  and  encouraging  with  him,  but  he  had  heard  her 
call  down  two  men  good  and  hard. 

As  to  home  visits,  he  believed  that  they  were  good  if  done  in 
the  right  way.  Mrs.  -  — ,  he  said,  never  criticised  or  seemed 
to  be  trying  to  spy  on  them,  but  just  came  in  as  if  for  a  social 
call.  He  thought  that  probation  was  a  fine  method  and  had  no 
criticism  of  the  way  it  was  carried  out  in  his  case  but  only  praise 
and  gratitude. 

10 

NAME  —  F—  B— . 
COURT  —  Erie  County. 
OFFENSE  —  Grand  larceny. 
PROBATION  BEGAN  —  January  30,  1914. 
PROBATION  ENDED  —  May  22,  1915. 
INVESTIGATION  —  July  27,  1917. 


79 

Probation  History 

This  was  a  difficult  case.  A  very  thorough  investigation  was 
made  which  showed  the  man  to  be  drinking  to  excess.  He  had  a 
good  wife  but  was  separated  from  her.  He  had  not  done  any  work 
for  three  months  but  had  been  drunk  most  of  the  time.  Was 
sleeping  out  under  barns,  covered  with  -vermin,  and  associating 
with  the  worst  bums.  He  had  had  $2,000  left  him  by  his  mother 
sometime  before  and  had  spent  most  of  it  in  riotous  living.  He 
had  stolen  a  horse  with  another  man,  both  of  them  being  under  the 
influence  of  liquor  at  the  time. 

The  probation  officers  had  a  difficult  time  to  help  this  man. 
He  was  required  to  take  the  pledge  and  a  reconciliation  with  his 
good  wife  was  brought  about.  He  did  not  stop  drinking  entirely 
at  first  and  left  his  wife.  He  also  attempted  to  pass  worthless 
checks.  He  was  rearrested  but  given  another  chance.  According 
to  the  probation  record  he  became  steadily  better  and  was  working 
regularly  and  living  with  his  wife  at.  the  end  of  the  probation 
period.  The  probation  officers  made  fifteen  visits  to  the  home, 
usually  seeing  the  man's  wife  and  her  mother.  He  also  secured 
the  cooperation  of  the  priest.  He  secured  work  for  the  man  and 
medical  attention.  Reports  to  the  probation  office  were  made 
every  week  with  very  few  exceptions.  Sixty  reports  were  recorded. 

Investigation 

I  saw  the  man  alone  at  the  probation  office  and  had  a  long  talk 
with  him.  He  said  that  drink  caused  all  the  trouble.  Said  he 
was  drunk  most  of  the  time  for  three  months  and  was  in  a  very 
bad  way.  Said:  "I  can't  speak  too  highly  of  probation  and  of 
Mr.  -  — ."  He  said  that  the  probation  officer  got  him  a  good 
job  with  the  Telephone  Company  where  he  stayed  until  a  short 
time  ago,  when  he  got  another  job.  He  said  that  the  probation 
officer  brought  him  and  his  wife  together.  He  got  them  together 
at  the  probation  office  and  talked  matters  over  with  them.  They 
finally  agreed  to  live  together  and  have  been  happy  since.  The 
probation  officer  arranged  for  the  man  to  give  over  the  money  that 
he  still  had  left  ($800)  to  his  wife's  care.  This  the  man  admitted 
was  best  for  him  as  he  was  spending  it  all.  His  wife  has  since 


80 

bought  everything  for  him.  Said  he  had  drank  nothing  since 
being  released  from  probation. 

As  to  reporting,  he  said:  "I  came  every  week.  It  was  no 
trouble.  I  liked  to  meet  the  officer  and  it  did  me  good.  A  man 
will  keep  straight  when  he  knows  he  has  to  report."  He  said  he 
did  not  talk  with  any  probationers  at  the  office  or  see  anything 
wrong.  He  usually  went  in  and  out  without  much  waiting. 

The  man  was  deeply  appreciative  of  what  had  been  done  for 
him  through  probation.  He  said  he'd  like  to  be  able  to  return  it 
in  some  way.  Probation  had  made  a  man  of  him  he  said.  Said : 
"  I  know  that  if  they  had  sent  me  up  I'd  have  been  ruined.  I 
would  have  died  from  it.  I  never  would  have  had  the  courage 
to  come  out  and  face  my  friends." 

11 

NAME  — C—  M— . 
•  COURT  —  Erie  County  Supreme. 

OFFENSE  —  Petit  larceny  and  being  an  accomplice  in  theft. 
PROBATION  BEGAN — April  19,  1915. 
PROBATION  ENDED  —  May  31,  1916. 
INVESTIGATION  —  July  27,  1917. 

Probation  History 

Investigations  showed  that  the  man  was  of  weak  character  and 
had  fallen  through  bad  associates.  He  had  a  good  wife,  but  there 
had  been  domestic  difficulties.  The  probation  officer  worked  with 
both  man  and  wife  advising  them  frequently.  They  were  usually 
seen  at  the  office.  Both  the  man  and  wife  called  and  were  encour- 
aged and  advised.  Only  two  visits  to  the  home  were  recorded. 
Probation  officer  refrained  from  'calling  because  the  man  lived 
at  his  place  of  employment  and  did  not  want  his  employer  to 
know  that  he  was  on  probation.  Reports  were  made  regularly 
to  the  office-  every  week  for  seven  months,  then  bi-weekly  to  the 
end  of  probation.  The  man  was  encouraged  to  seek  better  associa- 
tions. At  the  time  of  his  discharge  from  probation,  he  was  work- 
ing regularly  and  had  obtained  an  increase  in  wages.  Home  con- 
ditions were  greatly  improved. 


81 

The  probation  officer  made  the  following  statement  on  the  case 
history  blank  at  the  time  of  the  discharge  from  probation :  "  There 
has  been  quite  a  transformation  in  this  family  since  the  man 
was  placed  on  probation.  At  the  time  of  his  release  on  probation 
they  were  living  in  furnished  rooms  and  possessed  no  furniture 
and  were  barely  making  ends  meet.  They  have  purchased  a  nice 
selection  of  furniture  and  their  home  is  comfortable.  The  man 
is  doing  exceptionally  well  and  I  am  satisfied  with  his  conduct." 

Investigation 

Both  the  man  and  wife  were  seen  at  their  home.  The  man 
was  talked  with  alone  also.  Both  said  that  everything  was  going 
well  with  them  and  that  they  were  having  no  trouble.  The  home 
is  evidently  a  happy  one.  They  are  very  fond  of  their  little  boy. 
The  man  is  a  good  steady  worker.  Both  of  them  spoke  in  high 
appreciation  of  the  probation  officer's  helpfulness. 

Regarding  methods  of  supervision,  while  the  man  wouldn't 
admit  that  in  his  case  supervision  was  greatly  needed,  he  thought 
that  reporting  to  the  probation  officer  was  important.  After  some 
conversation,  I  got  him  to  talk  frankly  and  to  take  an  abstract 
view  of  probation.  He  is  an  intelligent  man,  shrewd,  well-mean- 
ing, but  perhaps  weak-willed.  He  said,  "  I  think  they  ought  to 
report  every  week.  If  a  fellow  is  inclined  to  go  with  bad  company 
(his  trouble^  he  won't  do  it  so  quickly  if  he  knows  he  has  to  report 
that  week.  If  its  only  once  in  two  weeks,  he  may  go  wrong  in  the 
meantime." 

The  man  said  he  never  talked  with  any  other  probationers  while 
reporting.  He  always  waited  in  the  hall.  He  thought  it  bad  for 
men  to  mingle  but  saw  no  ill  effects  except  once  when  he  saw  two 
boys  talking  together  one,  the  older,  seemingly  a  tougher  lad,  said 
"  I  got  pulled  three  times,  got  probation,"  or  something  like  that. 
Once  in  the  office  two  men  were  talking  together  and  the  probation 
officer  saw  them.  One  was  called  in  and  disposed  of  and  then  the 
other  one  was  held  for  some  time  so  as  to  keep  them  apart. 

Regarding  home  visits,  he  said  the  officer  came  twice  to  see 
them.  He  thought  it  important  to  see  the  family.  He  thought 
home  visiting  was  better  than  reporting  if  men  could  be  seen  at 
home  and  if  the  officer  could  come  without  being  recognized. 


82 

12 

NAME  — M—  S— . 
COURT  —  Erie  County  Supreme. 
OFFENSE  —  Grand  larceny. 
PROBATION  BEGAN  —  March  4, 
PROBATION  ENDED — April  29,  1915. 
INVESTIGATION  —  July  27,  1917. 

Probation  History 

This  boy  was  16  years  of  age,  living  at  home  with  his  parents. 
In  company  with  several  other  boys  he  stole  an  automobile,  riding 
about  the  city  and  surrounding  country  for  several  hours  and 
finally  abandoning  it  a  short  distance  from  where  it  was  stolen. 
He  had  also  been  implicated  in  the  theft  of  another  automobile. 
He  had  a  record  for  juvenile-  delinquency.  He  came  from  a  good 
home,  but  associated  with  a  tough  crowd.  The  probation  officer 
obtained  the  full  cooperation  of  the  father  and  mother.  He 
visited  the  home  ten  times  during  the  probation  period.  He 
assisted  the  boy  in  securing  employment.  He  required  him  to  go 
to  night  school.  The  boy  reported  every  week  to  the  probation 
office,  never  missing  a  report.  The  officer  required  him  to  bring 
•his  pay  envelope.  He  was  discharged  after  one  year  and  two 
months  on  probation,  greatly  improved. 

Investigation 

I  met  the  boy  coming  from  work  and  talked  with  him  alone. 
He  is  a  straight-forward  young  man,  now  18  years  of  age,  who 
looks  you  in  the  eye  and  has  every  appearance  of  being  an  honest, 
hard-working  fellow.  He  has  an  excellent  position  in  the  - 
factory  and  makes  good  pay.  When  seen  he  was  just  starting  a 
correspondence  course  in  metallurgy.  He  is  ambitious  to  advance. 
He  says  he  does  not  mix  at  all  any  more  with  the  old  crowd.  He 
has  given  them  all  up.  He  speaks  very  highly  of  probation  and 
said  frankly  he  believed  it  had  saved  him  from  a  bad  life.  He 
appears  to  be  very  grateful  to  the  probation  officer  for  all  that  he 
did  for  him.  He  says  that  he  got  him  jobs  and  watched  over  him 
closely.  He  says  he  is  very  thankful  as  many  of  the  boys  he  went 
with  before  are  now  doing  time. 

A  %  to  reporting,  he  said,  "  I  knew  that  I  had  to  do  it  so  did  not 


83 

mind  it.  I  liked  to  go  down  and  have  a  chat  with  Mr. . 

When  you  know  the  officer  is  looking  out  for  you,  you  are  pretty 
careful  what  you  do." 

As  to  visiting,  said  that  he  saw  the  probation  officer  several 
times  when  he  came  to  see  his  father.  He  thought  it  was  neces- 
sary to  go  to  the  home  to  make  sure  of  what  a  fellow  is  doing. 

I  saw  the  father  alone  in  his  tailor  shop.  He  said,  "  Probation 
made  Manuel  a  good  boy.  He  is  now  all  right  in  every  way; 
makes  me  no  trouble.  He  is  a  very  good  boy,  but  before  he  gof 
on  probation  he  was  pretty  bad.  He  went  with  a  bad  crowd;  he 
made  it  a  practice  to  steal  automobiles  and  go  on  joy-rides." 

As  to  reporting,  he  said  he  believed  it  was  very  good  for  the 
boy.  He  (the  father)  didn't  have  to  tell  him  to  report.  He 
always  knew  when  the  time  came  and  went.  He  said  that  the  boy 
was  pretty  well  scared  and  careful  to  obey  all  conditions.  He 
knew  he  was  being  watched.  The  father  was  very  appreciative 
of  all  that  the  officer  had  done  and  of  the  way  he  cooperated  with 
him.  Says  he  got  the  boy  several  jobs  and  got  him  to  working 
steadily.  He  helped  him  to  give  up  all  his  bad  associates. 

13 

NAME  —  J —  C — . 
COURT  —  Buffalo  City. 
OFFENSE  —  Public  intoxication. 
PROBATION  BEGAN — April  29,  1915. 
PROBATION  ENDED  —  May  1,  1916. 
INVESTIGATION  —  July  30,  1917. 

Probation  History 

Man  had  a  wife  and  son.  Investigation  showed  that  the  man 
had  been  unusually  cruel  to  hi-s  wife  before  being  placed  on  pro- 
bation and  had  neglected  to  support  her.  When  placed  on  proba- 
tion he  was  required  to  pay  his  wages  to  his  wife.  During  his 
probation  term  he  paid  a  total  of  $949.32  to  his  wife,  and  behaved 
himself  in  every  way.  The  probation  officer  visited  the  home 
twelve  times.  The  man  reported  regularly  every  week  without 

missing. 

Investigation 

Visited  the  home  and  talked  with  the  wife.  She  said :  "  Every- 
thing is  fine  now.  He  treats  me  all  right,  but  once  in  a  while  he 


84 

is  grouchy.  Before  I  had  him  put  on  probation  he  was  very 
mean  to  me  and  often  hurt  me ;  but  while  he  was  on  probation  he 
was  good  to  me  and  turned  over  all  his  money,  or  at  least  all  he 
said  he  earned.  I  could  not  tell  how  much  he  earned  for  he  was 
sick  a  lot.  He  never  liked  to  report  but  he  never  missed  a  day. 
He  didn't  like  it  because  there  were  two  other  men  who  worked 
under  him  who  were  also  on  probation  and  he  was  ashamed.  Mr. 

is  a  fine  man;  he  has  called  here  several  times  and  was 

always  ready  to  help  if  I  needed  it. 

"  The  reporting  was  what  made  Jimmie  go  straight.  He  knew 
he  had  to  report  every  week  and  knew  what  to  expect  if  he  failed 

to  do  it.     Mr.  never  saw  my  husband  here  at  home;  he 

always  saw  him  on  reporting  nights  and  talked  to  him." 

14 

NAME  — T—  J— . 
COURT  —  Buffalo  City. 
OFFENSE  —  Non-support. 
PROBATION  BEGAN  — August  2,  1916. 
PROBATION  ENDED  —  March  30,  1917. 
INVESTIGATION  —  July  30,  19 17. 

Probation  History 

Placed  on  probation  and  required  to  pay  $2.50  weekly  for  the 
support  of  his  wife.  He  was  visited  by  the  probation  officer  six 
times  and  reported  every  week,  making  his  payments  regularly. 
The  probation  history  record  shows  that  the  couple  were  recon- 
ciled and  the  man  saved  money  while  on  probation.  Discharged 

with  improvement. 

Investigation 

Saw  the  wife.  The  man  was  away  at  work.  He  is  doing  well 
now,  has  stopped  drinking  and  is  behaving  himself.  Pays  her 
regularly  each  week  and  is  saving  some  money. 

"  It  was  just  what  he  needed.  He  didn't  mind  going  down  to 
report  and  it  was  those  Tuesday  night  trips  which  kept  him 
straight.  He  had  to  go  down  and  tell  whether  he  was  drinking 
or  not  and  how  much  money  he  was  earning  and  saving.  He 
didn't  mind  the  trips  down  and  he  always  came  home  early  after 
he  reported.  I  don't  think  he  drank  any  while  on  probation." 


85 

15 

NAME  — R—  F— . 
COURT  —  Buffalo  City. 
OFFENSE  —  Disorderly  conduct. 
PROBATION  BEGAN  —  September  24,  1914. 
PROBATION  ENDED  —  December  30,  1914. 
INVESTIGATION  —  July  30,  1917. 

Probation  History 

Was  placed  on  probation  for  three  months,  required  to  pay  his 
wages  to  his  wife.  Reported  to  the  probation  officer  every  week 
with  one  exception.  Discharged  improved. 

Investigation 

Saw  man  at  his  home ;  very  intelligent,  high  type  of  man.  The 
offense  consisted  of  his  slapping  his  wife.  He  is  sober  and  a 
hard  worker;  is  a  contracting  painter  and  has  a  good  business. 
He  owns  his  own  home.  They  have  a  very  neat,  attractive  home. 
The  wife  was  neatly  dressed  and  of  refined  appearance. 

The  man  said :  "I  was  not  a  bad  man ;  this  was  the  only  time 
I  ever  got  into  trouble  and  then  it  was  the  fault  of  a  woman  who 
lived  downstairs.  No,  I  didn't  dread  the  reporting.  Mr.  - 
is  a  fine  man  and  I  always  enjoyed  talking  to  him.  I  do  think 
that  it  would  be  better  if  the  hours  were  arranged  differently  so 
as  not  to  inconvenience  men  who  work  nights. 

"  Probation,  to  my  mind,  is  the  finest  institution  which  has 
been  developed  in  the  last  century.  I  cannot  say  too  much  in  its 
praise.  I  liked  all  of  the  officers  I  met  and  will  be  glad  to  meet 
any  of  them  again.  My  wife  and  I  are  very  happy  now  and  I 
don't  believe  she  has  any  cause  to  complain." 

16 
NAME  — H—  Y— . 

COURT  —  Syracuse  Children's. 
OFFENSE  —  Juvenile  delinquency. 
PROBATION  BEGAN  —  March,  1917. 
PROBATION  TO  END  —  Indefinite. 
INVESTIGATION — August  15,  1917. 


86 

Probation  History 

The  records  show  that  thorough  supervision  has  been  main- 
tained in  this  case.  Twelve  home  visits  have  been  made  in  five 
months.  The  school,  church  and  playground  have  also  been 
visited.  Reports  to  the  probation  office  have  been  made  every  week. 
Case  reported  as  doing  well. 

Investigation 

Upon  visiting  this  home  with  the  probation  officer  we  found  the 
housekeeper  said  she  never  ha,s  to  urge  her  to  go  down  on  Friday 
from  his  work  while  we  were  there  so  we  talked  with  all  of  the 
family. 

The  little  girl  is  reporting  regularly  and  the  housekeeper  says 
she  is  doing  very  well.  The  probation  officer  got  the  child  to  take 
an  interest  in  the  playground  and  this  has  meant  a  lot  in  the  con- 
duct of  the  case.  The  little  girl  says  she  likes  to  report  and  the 
housekeeper  said  she  never  has  to  urge  her  to  go  down  on  Friday 
afternoon.  The  probation  officer  has  urged  the  child  to  give  up 
her  former  companions  and  this  has  been  done. 

The  officer  plans  to  visit  this  house  every  week  as  it  is  a  case 
which  needs  constant  supervision.  The  effects  of  the  officer's 
work  are  already  shown  in  the  improved  conduct  of  the  child. 

17 

NAME  —  S —        -  family. 
C'OUKT  —  Syracuse  Children's. 
OFFENSE  —  Improper  guardianship. 
PROBATION  BEGAN  —  March  9,  1917. 
PROBATION  TO  END — Indefinite. 
INVESTIGATION — August  15,  1917. 

Probation  History 

The  case  was  thoroughly  investigated  before  being  placed  on 
probation.  Many  visits  have  been  made  by  the  probation  officer, 
averaging  two  a  week.  The  mother  and  some  of  the  children 
were  seen.  The  school  and  church  also  have  been  visited  and  the 
attendance  of  all  the  children  at  Sunday  School  secured.  The 
father  was  assisted  in  getting  employment.  Medical  attention 
was  secured  through  a  visiting  nurse.  The  oldest  girl,  Hazel,  has 
been  reporting  for  the  family  regularly  each  week. 


87 


Investigation 

This  is  a  case  where  the  whole  family  is  practically  on  proba- 
tion. There  are  four  girls  and  one  boy  besides  the  father  and 
mother.  One  of  the  girls,  the  oldest  one,  was  brought  in  for 
improper  guardianship.  She  is  now  working  at  a  grocery  store 
and  is  doing  well. 

With  Miss  -  -  I  visited  the  home  and  found  it  in  bad 

condition,  but  I  am  informed  by  the  probation  officer  that  it  is 
in  much  better  condition  now  than  it  was  when  she  began  her 
work.  The  mother  was  working  in  a  restaurant  downtown  as 
cleaning  woman  and  the  father  was  out  of  work  at  the  time  of  our 
visit.  They  live  in  an  upstairs  flat  at  the  back  of  a  store,  and  the 
owner  of  the  flat,  who  is  also  the  storekeeper,  informed  us  that  he 
intended  to  put  the  family  out  as  they  had  not  paid  their  rent. 
The  father  said  he  had  a  promise  of  a  position  on  a  farm  and 
intended  to  move  his  family  out  there.  This  appeared  to  be  a 
good  solution  of  the  whole  matter  and  the  probation  officer  urged 
him  to  close  the  deal. 

We  talked  with  the  members  of  the  family  and  then  went  to  see 
the  girl  at  the  grocery  store.  She  is  reporting  regularly  and  says 

she  likes  to  come  down.  It  is  her  only  chance  to  tell  Miss 

of  her  troubles  at  home  and  apparently  they  are  numerous.  This 
home  requires  a  visit  every  week  and  sometimes  twice  a  week, 
but  the  probation  officer  is  handling  it  very  well  and  is  keeping 
in  close  touch  with  the  family. 

18 

NAME  — W—  W— . 
COURT  —  Syracuse  Children's. 
OFFENSE  —  Ungovernable  child. 
PROBATION  BEGAN  —  May  1,  1917. 
PROBATION  TO  END  —  May  1,  1918. 
INVESTIGATION — August  1.5,  1917. 

Probation  History 

An  investigation  was  made  previous  to  being  placed  on  pro- 
bation. The  case  was  placed  under  the  care  of  a  male  volunteer 
who  made  several  visits  to  the  home.  The  school  had  been  visited 
also.  Regular  reports  to  the  salaried  probation  officer  have  been 
received  weekly. 


88 

Investigation 

In  company  with  Miss  —  -  I  visited  this  home.  The  boy  is 
still  on  probation.  His  reports  to  the  probation  officer  have  been 
regular  and  apparently  everything  was  going  well.  On  our  visit 
to  the  home  we  found  that  this  was  not  true.  The  boy  has  been 
misbehaving  recently,  has  stolen  money,  and  refuses  to  obey  his 
mother.  His  father  has  left  home  so  the  boy  and  mother  are 
alone.  The  boy's  wages  were  essential  to  the  up-keep  of  the 
house. 

We  talked  with  the  probationer  and  he  said  he  had  left  his 
position  because  the  work  was  too  heavy  for  him.  At  present  he  is 
out  of  work.  I  talked  with  him  about  reporting  and  he  said  that 
he  liked  to  go  down  to  see  Miss  -  — .  She  was  always  nice  to 
him  and  'talked  in  a  friendly  manner.  He  said  he  had  not  told  her 
he  had  quit  his  job  because  that  had  happened  very  recently. 

His  mother  said  that  she  thought  the  reporting  was  a  good 
thing  for  him  but  she  was  afraid  he  was  lying  to  the  probation 
officer.  She  was  very  glad  Miss  -  -  had  come  out  to  the 

home  and  hoped  she  would  do  something. 

This  case  seems  to  show  that  although  the  reporting  had  been 
regular  and  although  the  boy  had  said  everything  was  going  all 
right,  the  reverse  was  true,  and  had  it  not  been  for  the  home  visit 
the  probation  officer  would  have  been  left  in  the  dark  regarding 
the  true  conduct  of  her  probationer.  It  seems  to  emphasize  the 
fact  that  whereas  reporting  is  valuable  from  the  standpoint  of 
discipline,  it  is  essential  that  it  be  followed  up  by  visits  to  the 
home  to  ascertain  true  conditions. 

19 

NAME  — A—  T— . 
COURT  —  Newburgh  Recorder's. 
OFFENSE  —  Non-support. 
PROBATION  BEGAN  —  March  15,  1915. 
PROBATION  ENDED  —  March  15,  1916. 
INVESTIGATION — August  23,  1917. 

Probation  History 

Placed  on  probation  to  pay  $10  per  week  for  the  support  of 
his  wife  and  several  children.  This  was  paid  regularly  every 
week.  Close  supervision  was  given  to  the  case.  Thirty-nine  home 


89 

visits  were  made,  the  money  being  taken  to  the  wife  by  the  pro- 
bation officer  as  she  was  unable  to  come  to  the  office  and  leave 
her  children.  The  officer  secured  employment  for  the  man  and 
visited  the  employer  frequently.  The  man  was  required  to  report 
to  the  officer  every  week  except  when  out  of  town.  Twenty^one 
office  reports  were  made. 

Investigation 

The  man,  his  wife  and  little  girl  were  seen  at  their  home.  The 
wife  talked  freely  and  stated  that  prior  to  probation  she  had  had 
a  very  hard  time  getting  the  man  to  support  her.  This  was 
before  the  days  of  a  probation  officer  in  Newburgh  and  she  said 
she  went  repeatedly  before  the  Eecorder  and  asked  him  to  help 
her  with  her  husband.  He  talked  to  the  husband  on  numerous 
occasions  but  said  he  could  do  nothing  except  send  him  away. 
She  said :  "  That  wouldn't  have  done  me  any  good  for  then  he 
would  have  been  away  all  the  time,  so  I  just  had  to  put  up  with 
it  and  get  along  the  best  way  I  could.  I  worked  and  took  in 
washings  for  a  while  and  we  managed  to  live.  When  Recorder 
-  was  elected  I  went  to  him,  thinking  I  could  secure  help 
from  the  new  man.  He  was  as  helpless  as  the  former  Recorder, 
although  he  did  his  best.  Shortly  after  this  the  probation  officer 
was  appointed  and  T  immediately  had  my  husband  put  on  proba- 
tion. Since  that  time  we  have  been  getting  along  very  well. 
Arthur  has  been  working  steadily  and  has  paid  his  money  for 
support  regularly.  The  probation  officer  used  to  pay  it  to  me  at 
the  office  but  he  knew  it  was  hard  for  me  to  come  up  there  Satur- 
day nights  to  get  that  money,  so  he  told  me  he  would  bring  it  down 
to  the  home  here.  I  appreciated  his  kindness  in  doing  this." 

I  asked  her  what  she  thought  of  the  reporting  plan.  She 
replied:  "I  think  the  reporting  is  a  very  fine  thing  for  when 
Arthur  had  to  do  it  he  never  forgot  he  was  on  probation,  but  I  do 
think  that  the  reporting  should  be  followed  up  by  the  probation 
officer  visiting  the  home,  for  unless  you  do  this  the  men  will  lie 
to  the  officer  and  the  wife  will  suffer  accordingly.  I  cannot  say 
too  much  about  probation  for  it  has  meant  a  great  deal  to  me. 
The  probation  officer  has  been  exceedingly  kind,  and  has  always 
had  our  welfare  at  heart." 

I  talked  with  the  husband  regarding  the  reporting  and  he  said 


90 

that  occasionally  he  met  other  fellows  at  Mr.  -  — 's  office,  and 
he  knew  one  or  two  of  them.  He  never  became  acquainted  with 
any  while  there,  however,  but  he  has  seen  them  talking  to  each 
other.  He  said  he  didn't  mind  the  reporting.  It  was  merely  a 
duty  which  he  had  to  perform  and  he  took  his  medicine.  He  is 
very  glad  he  was  placed  on  probation  for  now  he  has  given  up 
drinking  and  is  leading  a  more  regular  life.  He  does  not  have 
to  work  so  hard  and  is  able  to  save  a  little  money  now  and  then. 
He  used  to  see  the  probation  officer  both  at  the  office  and  when  the 
officer  came  to  the  home.  At  the  office  he  usually  talked  with  the 
officer  for  some  time  and  gave  a  full  account  of  what  he  had  been 
doing  during  the  past  week.  The  officer  then  made  suggestions 
to  him  which  he  was  glad  to  accept. 

At  the  present  time  the  probationer  is  working  steadily.  He  is 
a  skilled  mechanic  and  is  making  good  wages,  the  greater  part  of 
which  he  turns  over  to  his  wife  each  week. 

20 

NAME  — J—  F— . 
COURT  —  Newburgh  Recorder's. 
OFFENSE  —  Disorderly  conduct. 
PROBATION  BEGAN — January  21,  1916. 
PROBATION  ENDED  —  October  5,  1916. 
INVESTIGATION — August  23,  1917. 

Probation  History 

Investigated  after  being  placed  on  probation.  Ten  home  visits 
were  made,  the  wife  and  sister  usually  being  seen.  The  man  was 
required  to  report  every  week  regularly.  (Thirty-five  reports 
made.)  Required  to  pay  family  support  directly  to  his  wife. 

Investigation 

Saw  probationer  and  wife.  They  are  doing  well  and  have  a 
nice,  clean  home.  The  man  is  making  from  $6  to  $8  per  day. 
The  wife  says  there  was  never  much  the  matter  with  her  husband 
except  that  he  drank  heavily.  The  man  says  he  has  stopped  all 
the  drinking  and  doesn't  have  any  desire  to  use  liquor  any  more. 
The  wife  said  that  she  had  hard  work  living  with  him  when  he 
was  drinking  and  he  didn't  want  to  go  to  work,  but  once  he  was 


91 

on  probation  he  straightened  up  and  worked  hard.     He  was  good 
to  her  and  didn't  drink. 

The  man  said :  "  I  think  the  reporting  was  a  good  thing.  I 
used  to  go  down  there  to  the  City  Hall  and  sometimes  I'd  see 
other  fellows  waiting  to  report  but  I  never  got  acquainted  with 
them.  Mr.  -  — •  and  I  would  sort  of  talk  things  over  and  I'd 
tell  him  what  I'd  been  doing  that  week  and  whether  I  had  been 
drinking  or  not." 

21 

NAME  —  G—  K— . 

COURT  —  Newburgh  Recorder's. 

OFFENSE  — Assault,  third  degree. 

PROBATION  BEGAN  —  March  18,  1916. 

PROBATION  ENDED  —  March  18,  1917. 

INVESTIGATION  — August  23,  1917. 

Probation  History 

Case  investigated  after  being  placed  on  probation.  Ordered  to 
pay  $3,50  per  week  for  support  of  family,  which  was  paid  regu- 
larly. The  officer  had  a  good  deal  of  trouble  with  this  case.  The 
man  was  rearrested  twice  for  drinking  and  quarreling  with  his 
family.  Finally  he  separated  from  his  wife.  Thirteen  home 
visits  were  made  during  the  year  on  probation.  The  man's  friend 
who  worketl  in  the  shop  with  him  was  also  seen.  He  was  required 
to  report  to  the  officer  every  week  at  first;  later  he  was  allowed 
to  report  less  often.  Thirty-nine  reports  were  made.  He  was 
discharged  with  improvement. 

Investigation 

Saw  the  wife  and  daughter.  Probationer  much  improved.  Has 
a  fine  garden,  two  acres,  and  is  working  steadily.  The  wife  said: 
"  Probation  was  a  fine  thing  for  George.  We  had  an  awful  time 
before  he  was  arrested  but  now  we  have  no  trouble  and  he  has 
stopped  drinking.  He  is  working  very  hard  now,  both  at  the  shop 
and  at  home  in  the  garden.  He  didn't  mind  the  reporting  and  it 
did  him  a  lot  of  good  to  have  to  go  down  there  to  report  every 
week.  He  was  ashamed  of  himself  but  if  he  hadn't  had  to  report 
I  don't  believe  he  would  have  changed  any.  When  Mr.  - 
talked  to  him  and  called  him  down  he  always  remembered  it  and 


92 

when  he  came  to  see  us  at  the  house  George  always  braced  up. 
He  knew  he  had  to  report  or  he'd  land  in  jail  again  so  it  kept  him 
straight." 

22 

NAME  — H—  S— . 

COURT  —  Westchester  County. 

OFFENSE  —  Burglary,  third  degree. 

PROBATION  BEGAN — January  23,  1917. 

PROBATION  TO  END  —  July  23,  1919. 

INVESTIGATION — August  28,  1917. 

Probation  History 

Thoroughly  investigated  before  being  placed  on  probation. 
The  boy  has  a  good  home.  Visited  by  the  officer  eight  or  nine 
times.  Eequired  to  report  regularly  at  the  probation  office  once 
a  month. 

Investigation 

I  first  visited  Herman's  brother  Tom,  who  works  in  the  City 
Hall.  He  is  a  fine  type  of  fellow  and  is  very  much  interested 
in  Herman's  probation  experience.  He  always  sees  the  probation 
officer  when  he  comes  to  town  and  tells  him  how  his  brother  is 
getting  along. 

He  says  that  at  present  the  boy  is  working  and  intends  to  study 
mechanical  engineering.  He  has  had  a  course  in  architecture, 
but  as  that  trade  is  very  slow  at  present  he  is  going  to  take  up 
the  mechanical  end  of  it.  He  says  the  probation  officer  has  encour- 
aged the  boy  to  do  this  and  has  asked  him  to  attend  a  trade 
school. 

Regarding  the  reporting,  Tom  said  that  he  thought  it  was  a 
good  thing  for  his  brother.  The  boy  is  apt  to  be  diffident  and 
rather  shy  about  meeting  people  because  of  his  stuttering,  but 
the  officer  understands  him  and  the  talks  which  the  boy  has  with 
the  officer  are  very  encouraging  to  him.  He  thinks  a  great  deal 
of  good  is  accomplished  this  way. 

Tom  did  not  know  much  about  the  home  visiting  for  he  says  he 
is  never  there  when  the  officer  comes,  although  he  knows  the 
officer  has  been  there  very  frequently,  probably  once  a  month. 
He  has  heard  his  mother  and  sister  speak  of  this  and  on  one  occa- 
sion he  happened  in  just  as  the  probation  officer  was  leaving. 


93 

I  saw  the  sister  at  the  home.  She  says  that  Herman  is  doing 
all  right  and  is  working  every  day.  She  directed  me  to  his  place 
of  employment  at  a  garage  in  the  outskirts  of  the  city. 

I  found  him  there  and  as  he  was  not  working  at  that  time  T 
was  ahle  to  talk  with  him.  He  has  taken  a  great  liking  to  the 
probation  officer  and  feels  that  he  is  about  the  best  friend  he  has. 
He  says  he  has  encouraged  him  in  school  work  and  he  can  see 
now  how  much  it  has  meant  to  him.  He  likes  to  report  and  has 
never  missed  up  to  the  present  time.  As  to  home  visits,  he  does 
not  know  much  about  them  because  his  mother  or  sister  usually 
talks  with  the  officer.  He  thinks  the  reporting  is  fine ;  he  gets  a 
lot  of  good  out  of  it,  especially  from  the  long  talks  he  has  with  the 
officer.  He  says  he  never  meets  any  other  boys  over  there. 

23 

NAME  —  E —  W — . 
COURT  —  Westchester  County. 
OFFENSE  — Abandonment. 
PROBATION  BEGAN  —  July  14,  1916. 
PROBATION  TO  END  —  July  14,  1918. 
INVESTIGATION — August  28,  1917. 

Probation  History 

Investigated  before  being  placed  on  probation.  Officer  has 
visited  the'mother's  home  and  the  boyf  at  his  place  of  employment 
six  or  seven  times.  The  lawyer  in  the  case,  who  is  looking  after 
the  boy,  has  also  been  visited.  Reports  to  the  probation  office 

have   been   made   irregularly    as   the   probationer    in    P 

Six  or  seven  reports  have  been  made. 

Investigation 

Went  to  barber  shop  and  saw  probationer.  Good  type  of  man. 
Is  making  $13  per  week  and  pays  $7  to  his  wife.  Has  to  support 
himself  and  help  support  his  mother  on  the  other  $6.  For  that 
reason  the  officer  has  allowed  him  to  report  by  letter  recently  but 
formerly  he  reported  once  a  month  in  person.  It  cost  about  $1 
to  make  the  trip  and  took  him  five  hours.  The  man  says  everything 
is  o.  K.  now.  Will  probably  go  back  to  live  with  his  wife  again 
soon.  He  says  the  officer  is  a  fine  man  and  is  v^ry  strict.  When 


94 

he  was  reporting  lie  used  to  spend  about  one  hour  in  the  probation 
office  and  the  officer  went  over  everything  very  carefully,  question- 
ing him  about  work,  payments,  habits,  the  way  he  spent  his  spare 
time  and  his  relations  at  home. 

"  I  think  the  reporting  was  a  good  thing  for  me  and,  if  I 
could  afford  it,  I'd  like  to  go  over  every  month  as  I  used  to.  I 
liked  to  report  and  always  came  away  from  W—  -  feeling 
better  than  when  I  went.  Mr.  -  -  always  encouraged  me  and 
it  meant  a  lot  to  talk  things  over  with  him  and  get  his  advice  on 
different  things.  I  had  a  chance  to  go  to  Plattsburgh  and  make 
$35  a  week  but  Mr.  -  -  thought  I'd  better  stay  here,  so  of 
course  I  stayed.  The  reports  were  better  for  me  than  the  visits 
I  had  with  Mr.  -  -  here  in  the  shop  when  he  came  to 

P .      I    could    get    closer    to    him    in    the    office    at    the 

Court  House  and  could  tell  him  a  lot  more  than  I  could  here. 
He  used  to  talk  to  my  brother  and  my  mother.  Also  when  I  had  to 
report,  and  even  now  when  I  have  to  report  by  letter,  it  always 
makes  me  remember  that  I  was  in  trouble  once  so  I  don't  think 
I'll  ever  get  in  bad  again.  It  was  a  first  offense  and  my  experi- 
ence on  probation  has  taught  me  a  big  lesson." 

11-23-18-2000  (53-1636) 


THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 
STAMPED  BELOW 


AN  INITIAL  FINE  OF  25  CENTS 

WILL  BE  ASSESSED  FOR  FAILURE  TO  RETURN 
THIS  BOOK  ON  THE  DATE  DUE.  THE  PENALTY 
WILL  INCREASE  TO  5O  CENTS  ON  THE  FOURTH 
DAY  AND  TO  $1.OO  ON  THE  SEVENTH  DAY 
OVERDUE. 


FED     3 


• 


TftHf 


LD  21-100m-8,'34 


YC  35895 


393172 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


